It was billed up as the Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard’s final derby against Man United, a side he has been engaged in battle with for more than a decade, but it has all ended in a sad manner.
Brendan Rodgers made the brave decision in leaving Gerrard out of the starting XI despite the sentiments, however Adam Lallana’s first half injury meant that Gerrard was introduced earlier than expected – at half time to be exact.
SEE MORE:
(Video) Brendan Rodgers chats with PELE in Anfield tunnel before Liverpool v Man United!
(Video) Man United fans CRUCIFY Steven Gerrard over slip during match at Anfield
(Video) Juan Mata GOAL! Liverpool punished for slow start vs Manchester United
However, 45 seconds after coming on, Gerrard managed to get himself sent off in what was a hideous stamp on Ander Herrera after the Spaniard was a little late in a challenge. Just what was going on in his head is baffling, for a player of his experience to lose his cool in such an important encounter is beyond belief.
Aside from the subsequent three game suspension which is pending now for the Liverpool skipper, he has severely damaged the club’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League.
Should Liverpool lose this game, they will be six points, behind Arsenal and five points off Man United in fourth, with Rodgers taking his side to what is now a daunting trip to the Emirates Stadium.
There are a some permutations, but should the Reds get turned over by an in form Arsenal side, it would effectively nail their chances of a top four place and that is all as a result of their skipper losing his cool and taking the game against Man United beyond them.
Much sympathy was given to Gerrard when his mistake lost Liverpool the title, he can be offered no such luxury this time around in what was an act of stupidity.