Steven Gerrard plays down standing ovation

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has played down receiving a standing ovation from Chelsea fans when he was substituted during this afternoon's draw at Stamford Bridge.

The 34-year-old has been involved in a number of notable incidents with Chelsea during his career, almost joining the club in 2005 and memorably slipping to gift Demba Ba a goal that severely harmed the Reds' title bid last season.

He scored the equalising goal on his final appearance at Stamford Bridge before being taken off with 10 minutes remaining, and being greeted with a warm ovation from both sets of fans.

However, Gerrard was keen to point out the abuse that he had also suffered from the Chelsea fans, saying that the reaction of the travelling Liverpool supporters meant more to him.

When asked about the ovation, Gerrard told Sky Sports News: "I was more happy with the applause from the Liverpool fans.

"The Chelsea fans have slaughtered me all game and given me a standing ovation for a couple of minutes. Nice of them to turn up today for once."

Gerrard's goal was his 119th Premier League strike for the club, taking him second on the all-time list behind only Robbie Fowler.