Skip to content

Gerrard handed three-match ban

LIVERPOOL midfielder Steven Gerrard has been handed a three-game ban after being found guilty of violent conduct for his robust challenge on Everton's Gary Naysmith.

Gerrard will miss the FA Cup replay with Crystal Palace as well as the next two Premiership matches with Middlesbrough and Birmingham.

The 22-year-old was charged with violent conduct for a two-footed lunge on Naysmith in the fiercely-contested Merseyside derby on December 22.

Referee Graham Poll did not see the incident, which sparked a fracas between both sets of players, and the FA used video evidence before deciding to summon Gerrard.

The England midfielder will now miss his country's friendly with Australia on February 12, with coach Sven Goran Eriksson reluctant to select players who are serving domestic bans.

It is a major blow for manager Gerard Houllier, who accompanied Gerrard to the FA hearing, with Liverpool pushing for a Champions League place.

A clearly annoyed Houllier confirmed that Gerrard would not be allowed to represent his nation.

"He will not be playing for England - he is not allowed," confirmed Houllier.

"It was a mis-timed tackle, there was no intent.

"It was merely an accident - that was it. If I had the slightest indication it was malicious I would not have supported him.

"He's been playing well. But we won't let things like this affect us. We will be strong."