Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has apologised after being sent off during his side's vital clash against Manchester United, insisting that he takes full responsibility for his side's home defeat against the Red Devils.
The 34-year-old, who came in as a substitute for Adam Lallana in the second half, was shown a straight red after only 38 seconds following his stamp on Ander Herrera.
The Spaniard had tackled him just moments ago and Gerrard, who was not able to control his anger, stamped on Herrera's ankle, leaving no choice for referee Martin Atkinson but to send him off.
And now the former England captain, who is set to leave Liverpool for MLS side LA Galaxy this summer, says that he accepts the red card and is sorry for letting down his teammates, manger and fans.
"I just need to accept it," the 34-year-old told Sky Sports. "The decision was right. I've let my team-mates and manager down today and even more importantly I've let all the supporters down so I take full responsibility for my actions."
Gerrard admits that his reaction was wrong and his mistake resulted in the Reds losing an important game against rivals Manchester United.
"I tried to jump his tackle and I've seen his studs and I've reacted wrong. I've been in the game long enough (to know what happens) when you do something like that and especially at the time of the game -- after half-time with 45 to play -- with a great opportunity to get back into the game, I take full responsibility for today's result."
Meanwhile, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers refused to blame Gerrard for his side's defeat against United, insisting that the midfielder was "man enough" to apologise on television.
"It's big of someone when they do get sent off to come out and apologise. But Steven was probably frustrated watching us in the first half, where we didn't make a tackle," Rodgers told Liverpool Echo.
"At least he was man enough to come out and make that apology, but it (the result) wasn't just about that," added the former Swansea City boss. "With Steven, it was him purely wanting to make an impact. He's made his apologies for it, and of course in a big game you suffer with 10 against 11, but it happened and it's great respect to the players that stayed on that we kept fighting with 10 men."
