GERRARD SAYS SORRY TO BOATENG

The England international was widely condemned for the `over the top' tackle, which could easily have ended Boateng`s season, despite his manager initially claiming the Dutchman was a `play-actor'.

Reds boss Gerard Houllier later retracted his statement and claimed the tackle was reckless and that Gerrard needed to learn from the incident.

Gerrard has, now, revealed that he apologised to the Dutchman on Sunday, insisting that he went for the ball but conceded that it `was a bad tackle'.

"I spoke to John Gregory after the game on Saturday and telephoned George on Sunday," the 21-year-old said.

"I got his phone number from my agent and he accepted my apology and explanation.

"I felt it was something I should do  It was a bad tackle, but, fortunately, George accepted my apology.

"I did not intentionally try to hurt him or cause him an injury.

"I went in hard and bounced off the top of the ball, so I was made up to see him get off the ground and carry on."

The red card was Gerrard`s third of his fledgling career, but he does not want to be labelled a bad boy.

"I don`t want to be known as some kind of bad boy," he pleaded.

"That is the last thing I want, although aggression is the big part of my game and I don't want to change the way I play.

"I have also apologised to my team-mates, Gerrard Houllier and his staff, and I have assured the manager that I will learn from this experience.

"It has not been a nice couple of days for me.

"I will be banned for three matches and I hope I can make it up to the club."