Steven Gerrard: 'Luis Suarez is being victimised by referees'

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has insisted that Luis Suarez is not being given decisions because referees are judging him prior to matches.

Suarez was denied a penalty by Mark Halsey after a challenge from Jonny Evans in Sunday's defeat to Manchester United but Gerrard believes that his teammate is being treated unfairly.

The England midfielder said: "I think even when Luis gets blatant penalties now, he's never going to get them.

"It's down to referees to not judge him. They have got to make their decisions based on what they see.

"If it's not a penalty, they don't give him one. But if it's clear, give him it. It's only fair. "

Halsey has lodged an official complaint with the police after being abused by Liverpool fans on Twitter.