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Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard sent off after 48 seconds against Manchester United Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard sent off after 38 seconds against Manchester United
(35 minutes later)
Steven Gerrard was sent off less than a minute after his half-time introduction against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.Steven Gerrard was sent off less than a minute after his half-time introduction against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The Liverpool captain, who will end his long association with the club this summer when he moves to MLS to join LA Galaxy, had only just come on as a substitute when he appeared to stamp on United midfielder Ander Herrera. The Liverpool captain had only just come on as a substitute when he appeared to stamp on United midfielder Ander Herrera.
Referee Martin Atkinson barely hesitated as he brandished the red card in the direction of Gerrard, who had been on the pitch for just 40 seconds after replacing Adam Lallana at half-time, with Liverpool trailing 1-0. Referee Martin Atkinson barely hesitated as he brandished the red card in the direction of Gerrard, who had been on the pitch for just 38 seconds after replacing Adam Lallana at half-time, with Liverpool trailing 1-0.
Related: Liverpool v Manchester United: Premier League – as it happened | Jacob SteinbergRelated: Liverpool v Manchester United: Premier League – as it happened | Jacob Steinberg
Gerrard began his bizarre cameo with a full-blooded challenge on Juan Mata, who had given Manchester United their first-half lead. Mata’s compatriot Herrera attempted to win the ball, leading Gerrard to stamp on Herrera’s right leg.Gerrard began his bizarre cameo with a full-blooded challenge on Juan Mata, who had given Manchester United their first-half lead. Mata’s compatriot Herrera attempted to win the ball, leading Gerrard to stamp on Herrera’s right leg.
Manchester United won the match 2-1 to open up a five-point gap between the sides, who sit in fourth and fifth place in the table. After the game, Gerrard apologised for the incident, adding that he took “full responsibility” for the result.
The red card, awarded for violent conduct, means Gerrard will miss league matches against Arsenal (A) and Newcastle (H), as well as the FA Cup quarter-final replay at Blackburn. It also means the Liverpool legend, who will join LA Galaxy this summer, has just two home games left in his Anfield career - against QPR and Crystal Palace.
Manchester United won the match 2-1 to open up a five-point gap between the sides, who sit in fourth and fifth place in the Premier League table.
Juan Mata scored twice for the visitors in a bad-tempered match, which also saw Liverpool fans hold back Mario Balotelli, after the Italian, already on a booking, had looked set to start a row with Chris Smalling over a challenge at the side of the pitch.Juan Mata scored twice for the visitors in a bad-tempered match, which also saw Liverpool fans hold back Mario Balotelli, after the Italian, already on a booking, had looked set to start a row with Chris Smalling over a challenge at the side of the pitch.
The red card, awarded for violent conduct, means Gerrard will miss league matches against Arsenal (A) and Newcastle (H), as well as the FA Cup quarter-final replay at Blackburn. It also means the Liverpool legend has just two home games left in his Anfield career - against QPR and Crystal Palace.
It is not the first time Gerrard has erred at a vital moment for his club. Last season, his slip while on the ball allowed Demba Ba to score for Chelsea, opening the door for Manchester City to take the title away from Anfield.It is not the first time Gerrard has erred at a vital moment for his club. Last season, his slip while on the ball allowed Demba Ba to score for Chelsea, opening the door for Manchester City to take the title away from Anfield.