Brendan Rodgers: "Poor" Cesc Fabregas tackle was worthy of red card

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has expressed his belief that Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas was lucky to avoid seeing a red card in this evening's Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge.

The Spaniard caught Raheem Sterling inside the opening 30 seconds of the 1-1 draw, although he escaped major punishment with referee Andre Marriner instead brandishing a yellow.

However, Rodgers is adamant that the "poor tackle" was worthy of Fabregas being shown his marching orders.

"It was poor tackle, very, very early in the game and one we are disappointed the referee didn't see," he told reporters after the game. "You can see Fabregas jumps in and catches Raheem."

The draw all but ends Liverpool's hopes of overtaking rivals Manchester United into the fourth and final Champions League place.