Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has urged Premier League referees to be fair to teammate Luis Suarez and not to judge him on his reputation.

The Uruguayan was denied a penalty in the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday despite the fact that he appeared to be clipped by Jonny Evans.

The 25-year-old was booked for diving against Sunderland in the match before, and Gerrard believes that Suarez is suffering from the label given to him during last season.

"I think even when Luis does get blatant penalties now he doesn't get them," said Gerrard. "It is down to referees to not judge him and give what they see - if it's not a penalty don't give him one but if it's clear give it. It's only fair.

"He was booked at Sunderland but against United it was a penalty.

"Reputations go in front of people at times and because [Antonio] Valencia is not a known diver that is why he got the decision. I almost guarantee if it was exactly the same situation and it was Luis and not Valencia then it wouldn't be a penalty."

Liverpool travel to the Hawthorns to face West Bromwich Albion in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday night.