Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard has beencharged with violent conduct by the FA, following a two-footed lunge at Everton’s Gary Naysmith, during the recent derby match between the clubs.
The incident was missed by the referee Graham Poll, but video footage captured the tackle which left the Everton player writhing on the ground. On reviewing the footage the FA have decided to charge Gerrard. If found guilty, he is likely to receive a three-match ban and could also be fined.
Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier claimed the player would appeal against the charge.
“We have received notification of the charge from the FA and…we will be requesting a personal hearing,” Houllier told the Liverpool Echo newspaper.
“What I can say is that Steven never intended to hurt the player with the tackle. The Everton player was not hurt in the incident and was able to get up and carry on.”
At the time, Gerrard apologised for the tackle, insisting that he did not intend to hurt his opponent.
“I want to apologise for the tackle,” he said at the time. “I did go into the challenge two-footed and with my studs showing, but I tried to pull back.
“I certainly never intended to hurt him. Tackling is a big part of my game, but I did not set out to deliberately hurt him.
“I apologised to Gary on the pitch and we shook hands at the end. He has accepted what I said. I have also apologised to David Moyes and the rest of the Everton players.”