Brendan Rodgers refuses to criticise Steven Gerrard after sending-off

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has refused to take aim at Steven Gerrard after the captain was sent off just 38 seconds after coming on against Manchester United on Sunday.

The 34-year-old saw red for stamping on Ander Herrera and Liverpool were forced to play the majority of the second half at Anfield with 10 men.

After the game, which ended 2-1 to United, Gerrard apologised for his actions and admitted that referee Martin Atkinson was right to send him off.

When Rodgers was asked about the incident in the post-match press conference, the Irishman said: "He wanted to help the team so much, and I won't criticise him. He's been brilliant in my time here and sometimes these things happen. It doesn't happen very often to our team, but it did today and it's one we'll move on from."

Liverpool are now five points behind fourth-placed United in the Premier League table with eight games left to play.