Steven Gerrard apologises to team-mates and fans after Liverpool captain accepts 'full responsibility' for stamp on Ander Herrera

Steven Gerrard issued a public apology to his Liverpool teammates and the club’s supporters on Sunday after he was sent off in the defeat to Manchester United at Anfield just 38 seconds after coming on as a half-time substitute.

Gerrard, who was facing United for the last time before leaving Liverpool for LA Galaxy, was shown a straight red card by referee Martin Atkinson when he reacted to a challenge from Ander Herrera with a senseless stamp on the Spaniard.

United went on to win 2-1 thanks to two goals from Juan Mata as they moved five points clear of their arch-rivals in the race for a Champions League place. 

‘I’ve let down my teammates and the supporters,’ admitted Gerrard, who now faces a three-match ban. ‘I take full responsibility. I need to accept it, the decision was right.

‘I've been in the game long enough when you do something like that. I don’t know what caused it, probably just a reaction to the initial tackle.

‘I shouldn’t say more about it really, I’ve just come out here to apologise to the dressing-room and supporters.’