FINISHED APPLIED PROJECT3

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE REVIEW

www.AfterTheWhistle.com March 2015

MAN CITY V BARCA

L E A G U E C U P F I N A L E D I T I O N | C H E L S E A V S P U R S

7 +FOREIGN FLOPS

MEET LEAGUE 1STRIKERMICHAEL SMITH

Follow Us On Twitter

@AfterTheWhistle

March 2015 AfterTheWhistle £3.99

2 3www.AfterTheWhistle.com March 2015 www.AfterTheWhistle.com March 2015

What’sInside

At AfterTheWhistle, our team of dedicated writers are going to bring you the very best from the world of football. Each issue will be packed full of the latest from the world of football. We see it as our duty, as lovers of the beautiful game, to give you insightful one to one interviews with the game’s biggest stars, in depth match analysis and build up of the big games, sandwiched in between a slice of humour.

Pg 4 CAPITAL ONE CUP FINAL PREVIEW Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur

Pg 10 NEWCASTLE UNITED Another Eventful Season For The Magpies

Welcome To AfterTheWhistle

Lewis Dewson, Editor

Follow Us On Twitter

@LewisDewson

@AfterTheWhistle

Meet The Editor

POTENTIALADVERT

Pg 14 CITY V BARCA Full Review of their Hotly anticipated Champions League Clash

Pg 16 SWINDON TOWN STRIKER MICHAEL SMITH TALKS TO THE AfterTheWhistle TEAM “It’s ridiculous how you can get booked for celebrating a goal with your own fans”

Pg 13 SEE WHAT’S COMING UP IN NEXT MONTH’S ISSUE From Gareth Bale, To the Premier League’s Top Dodgiest Barnets

Pg 20 TOP 7 PREMIER LEAGUE FOREIGN FLOPS We delve deep into the Premier League archives- From Falcao to Luque

Pg 24 MUPPET OF THE MONTH With... Steven Gerrard


Last time these two sides met was an end-to-end thriller, back in January at the home of Spurs, White Hart Lane. In form

striker Harry Kane proved to be a real hand-ful for the uncharacteristically nervy Blue’s defense, something that club captain John Terry and Gary Cahill will look to keep at bay in this encounter.

This could mean that the Chelsea gaffer Jose Mourinho will opt for a more defensive looking lineup this time around. Or possibly could look at bulking up the midfield with an extra man, to try and control the game from the outset. They need to try and stop Tottenham’s creative influences such as Christian Ericksen and Eric Lamela getting onto the ball if they want to add another trophy to the cabinet.

Chelsea fans will no doubt be expecting their sides to come out the victors this time around, after their London rivals got the better of them in the 2008 League Cup final.

CAPITAL ONE CUP FINAL

Below: Tottenham’s Christian Eriksen

If the Blues can get Belgian winger Eden Hazard on the

ball, he will be able to ex-ploit the flanks against an out of form Kyle Walker. The quick feet, direct running and sheer agility of the Chelsea number 10 could prove to be too much for a Tottenham defence in which, Spurs

boss

Mau-ricio Po-

chettino is still trying to identify his strongest back four.

Tottenham have to also try and keep the ball out of the magical feet of Spaniard Cesc Fabregas. The summer

acquisition from Barce-lona has really hit the ground running

this season in the Barclays

Premier League, currently

leading the division in terms of assists and chances created.

Fabregas, along with fel-low summer buy Diego

Costa have linked up superbly this season, and will undoubtedly

prove to be a handful for the Spurs midfield to contain.

The fitness of Diego Costa could be an

issue for Chelsea, with the Spaniard still not fully fit ac-cording to the club’s backroom staff. However, he has also made a huge impact for the blues this season, and if what he has done so far is far from the peak of his fitness, a fully fit Costa will surely be a force to be reckoned with.

He along with Hazard and Fabregas will be sure to be involved in Chelsea’s key attacking moves as the tie progresses.

CHELSEA

LAST 5: Chelsea 1- 1 BurnleyPsG 1- 1ChelseaChelsea 1-0 EvertonVilla 1 -2 ChelseaChelsea 1-1 Man City

Wembley Stadium. Sunday 1st March 2015. 16:00

Above: ‘The Special One’- Jose Mourninho


SPURS

Likewise for Spurs, one of their main threats as they look to engrave their name once

again on the Capital One Cup, will undoubtedly come from a creative midfielder, in the form of the Dane Christian Eriksen. Eriksen has been one of Tottenham’s leading creative influences during the 2014/15 campaign, lending his hand to a number of the key goals and as-sists during the season. The 23 year old likes to drift within the lines of attack and defence, linking up play and picking out key passes. He proved to be the hero in the semi’s against Sheffield United, with a last grasp winner to send Spurs to Wembley.

There is cause for concern re-garding the best starting 11 of a

Tottenham side which current boss Mauricio Pochettino has yet to mould into his perfect Spurs side. The 42-year-old Argentine is work-ing with a side, which he inherited from former boss Tim Sherwood, and since his summer move from Southampton, has constantly tinkered to find his best XI. Jug-gling the Premier League with the Europa League and League cup, has forced Spurs into fielding a number of different sides throughout the season so far.

Finally, England hotshot, Harry Kane has took the Premier League by storm this season, and has fully cemented his place in Pochettino’s side. The 21 year old can lead the line well with a balanced mixture of strength, composure and in

telligence, which saw him bag an impressive brace against the Blue’s when the sides last met in January. He will prove to be a handful for both Terry and Cahill no doubt, and if allowed time on the ball, will look to utilise his dynamic shoot-ing range, drilling shots at the Chelsea goalkeeper.

LAST 5: Fiorentina 2-0 SpursSpurs 2-2 West HamSpurs 1-1 FiorentinaLiverpool 3-2 SpursSpurs 2-1 Arsenal

Above: Spurs Boss, Mauricio Pochettino

We think, it will be a physical, strenuous

game from the get go. The game will be won or lost in the final third, depending on which key player’s show up on the day. The pressure and excitement of the occasion could prove to be too much for Tottenham’s younger players such as Dier, Mason and Bentaleb. This could be exploited by the experience and class of Fabregas and Hazard, and could prove costly for Spurs if Pochettino chooses to put his faith in

his talented youth players, like he has for much of the season.

Below: Harry Kane, Branislav Ivanovic Right: Predicted Starting XI AfterTheWhistle... Predicts

Chelsea 2-1 Tottenham

10 11www.AfterTheWhistle.com March 2015www.AfterTheWhistle.com March 2015 [Dateline: Sunday February 24th]

TOON IN TROUBLE

Unlike EastEnders, which cur-rently has the nation hooked

on its latest tumultuous storyline, the on-going soap opera at St James’ Park has once again left fans with a sour taste in their mouth, in light of New-castle United’s recent 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Manchester City.

Club legend and football pundit, Alan Shearer described the recent drubbing at the Etihad as “Pathetic”, and an “Em-barrassing Display” on BBC’s Match of The Day programme, a bold statement which the black and white faithful won’t be protesting.

Another Newcastle United legend in the form of Two-time manager, and former player Kevin Keegan, also commented after the Manchester City game in an interview, saying “It hurts me to say it but Newcastle are a club going nowhere.’ The 64 year old then added “‘John Carver is valuable to have around the place but he won’t be

manager next season.”

The club’s management later issued a formal apology to the fans after Unit-ed’s dismal display at the weekend, in the form of John Carver’s post match press conference,

“ We were unable to deal with the ear-ly pressure at all. Coming to a stadium like this, to face a team like this, it was always going to a difficult task for us”.

“I thought they were better than us in every single department, we knew it was going to be a difficult game, but for a group of fans the size we brought here today, it simply wasn’t good enough”. The Mighty Mags are currently tee-tering around the mid point of the Barclays Premier League table.

This season has had an all too common feel to it, with a series of desperate performances, and fans being once

again, kept in the dark by their own-er, Mike Ashley. United currently sit in 11th position, with European hopes out of the question, and relegation from the top flight, still a possibility.

Current boss John Carver, who is the former long-term assistant to the late Toon legend, Sir Bobby Robson, was far from the fans choice. After a series of under par results and a myriad of abuse from the ‘Sack Pardew’ brigade, former gaffer, Alan Pardew was finally excused from his post at St James’.

However there was some feeling amongst pockets of fans that Geor-die born Carver’s enthusiasm and deep-rooted affiliation with the club would resonate with the players, and give United a new lease of life. The job has been given to Carver until the end of the season, with him hoping to secure the job on a full time basis.


CITY’S AGUEROBATTLES WITH NEWCASTLE’S

FABRICIO COLOCCINI

“It hurts me to say but Newcastle United are a club going nowhere” - Keegan.

T his however, at present is not the case. Frustrating substitu-

tions, a lack of tactical proficiency and failure to adopt his own style of play to the current crop of overpaid journeymen, has resulted in the Magpies season seemingly fizzling out, with relegation not completely out of the question.

Furthermore, failure to recruit a single player, in the recent January transfer window, despite the need for depth within the current squad, and the news that young defender Paul Dummet will more than likely miss the bulk of United’s remain-ing Premier League fixtures, could have further angered and confused fans. Dummet joins the ever grow-ing list of casualties on the New-castle United treatment table, after recent news that summer signing Siem De Jong, is set to face further setback after a collapsed lung.

The decision to not sign a defend-er, for a club with a severe lack of depth within the rear-guard at present, was strangely defended by Carver in a recent interview. Carver insisted there was no need to recruit back-ups in the window, and went onto comment about the current injury crisis at the club, saying, “Two weeks ago, we were one player away from having a fully-fit squad. I was so excited about that. Who is to say that’s not the end of it?

...It’s always a concern when you lose player, especially of the qual-ity we have lost. You can get away with losing one or two young lads.

“You’d normally get one or two of those in a season - we got three in a week. It’s a bit unfortunate. It’s no good sulking or making excus-es, that’s life and we have to deal with it.”

This comes after United were left

with only four fit senior defenders in their squad. Yet another deci-sion, which will no doubt leave, fans scratching their heads.Another area, which has to be assessed, is the apparent lack of leaders within the club. Long gone are the days of Shearer, Speed and Beardsley and even more recently, Nolan, Barton and Carroll. For a club with no direction, diligence or passion, surely a leader of men is a must in order to command the dressing room, and to reward the 52,000 loyal Geordie faithful for their on going and unrelenting support.

Whilst current owner Mike Ashley is away holidaying in the Baha-mas, or trying to transform Ibrox into the spearhead Scottish branch for Sports Direct, the North East’s most famous club will carry on with it’s soap opera. Starved of leaders and devoid of form and commitment.

Next Month

GARETH BALETALKS MADRID RONALDO, AND LIFE IN LA LIGAApril Issue

+ MUCH MORE

Top Right: Current Boss, John Carver Bottom Right: Magpies Owner, Mike Ashley

www.AfterTheWhistle.com March 201514 15www.AfterTheWhistle.com March 2015

MANCHESTER CITY 1 V

FC BARCELONA 2

Sergio Aguero managed to pull back a vital goal, keeping Man-

chester City’s hopes of qualifying alive, as they came out as 2-1 losers to Barcelona in front of 45,000 at the Etihad.

Two intricately worked first half goals from former Liverpool front man Luis Suarez, sent the Catal-onian visitors into the half time break in comfort, after their early dominance in Tuesday’s last 16 Champions league first leg.

City came out fighting in the second half, with in form Sergio Aguero pulling one back, before Lionel Messi squandered the chance to put his team further ahead, missing a late spot kick.

It looked increasingly like the team from the blue half of Manchester were going to go all square in the later stages of the match, before an unnecessary foul on Barca full back, Dani Alves forced the referee to present City’s Gael Clichy with his

second yellow card of the night, leaving the hosts with 10 men.

The visitors were able to see out the tie with a 2-1 victory, and 2 valuable away goals in their pock-et, ensuring a comfortable flight home for the Spanish giants.However City are far from out of the tie, and will have the returning Ivo-ry Coast captain; Yaya Toure back at the heart of their midfield for the away leg, after completing the last game of his 3 match ban.

Despite City going with a surprising-ly attacking line-up, with manager;

Manuel Pellegrini opting for 2 strikers in his favoured 4-4-2 formation, it was unsurprisingly Barcelona who dominated the majority of the early proceedings.

It wasn’t long before the former Liverpool man Suarez put the visitors ahead, firing a neat shot past City keeper Joe Hart, following a lucky rebound off skipper Vincent Kompany dropped kindly into his path, in the 16th minute.

The deadly Uruguayan added his second of the night not long after, and heaped more misery on City who seemed to lack shape, composure and fight. Suarez stabbed home a low, driven cross from full back Jordi Alba as he linked up superbly with Barca talisman; Messi who skipped past 3 on looking City defenders with ease.

Barca threatened again not long after, after an uncharacteristic mistake from James Milner, saw the ball graze Hart’s crossbar from a Dani Alves strike.

The half time whistle couldn’t have came sooner for City, who were left flustered and unorganised going into the break.

City needed to start the second half with all guns blazing, and did. With strike pair Sergio Aguero and Edin Dze-ko, Immediately registering a few close chances, early into the second half. An increased intensity and pressure final-ly led to reward for City, who rounded up a lengthy spell of dominance with Aguero firing home brilliantly in the 69th minute. A clever flick from Span-iard; David Silva, saw Aguero power through three challenges on the edge of the Barcelona box, before hammer-ing the ball into the top right, leaving Ter Stegen grounded on his line.

However, City’s comeback hopes suffered a major setback just minutes after they seemingly hit

top gear, with full back Gael Clichy not heeding referee Felix Brych’s

first half warning and being sent for an early bath. This left the hosts with a man down, as they looked to see out the last 20 minutes of the fiercely fought first leg.

With stoppage time looming, City nearly saw their hopes of going to the Camp Nou with a fighting chance

diminish, as right back Pablo Zabaleta brought down Messi in the home side’s

area, resulting in a penalty kick.

A moment of brilliance from the impressive Hart, saw Messi’s spot kick palmed away, before the little Argen-tinian squandered the rebound with a misplaced header, in front of the City fans.

The result was far from terrible for City, who hung on to see out the rest of the tie at 2-1. However with Barca’s front 3 of Messi, Suarez and Neymar final-ly starting to tick into gear, and the Spanish Giants looking increasingly like their brilliant best, the blues have it all to do going into the second leg on March 18th, at the Camp Nou.

CITY’S HART SAVES MESSI PEN

AGUERO BATTLES JORDI ALBA PELLEGRINI

Above: Barcelona’s Suarez, celebrates scoring his first against Joe Hart

1st leg


Stevenage in an Fa Cup Replay, in the Fourth round. If I remem-ber correctly, they drew against us at their place, but we beat them 2-1 in the reverse leg at St James. Shearer grabbed himself a couple that day, it was the first time I had the chance to watch him play.

So would you say Alan Shearer was your boyhood hero growing up?

Without a doubt. I think you will struggle to find a Newcastle United supporter, in the Shearer era that would say differently. The man had it all for me, strength, aggression, and obviously an eye for goal. He was a complete striker. I remember going to matches when I was younger, and seeing a sea of ‘Shearer 9’ replica kits, everywhere I looked. He wasn’t the biggest lad on the pitch, or the fastest, but his movement and the way eh rose for headers was outstanding. For me, he was the best striker the Premier League has ever seen, and I tried when I was a lad, to base a lot of my game, around the way he played.

What was it that made you want to be a striker?

As long as I can remember, I have always just wanted to score goals, and I have been lucky that, that skill has seemed to come fairly natu-rally to me. I think I am quite a tenacious player. I like to get stuck into the action; I think that is a trait that many strikers these days lack. Some of the ones coming across to England from various leagues in Europe, seem to lack that aggression, and intensity that old fashioned strikers such as Les Ferdinand, Eric Cantona, and of course Alan Shearer used to have.The fact that I am 6 foot 4 also helps as a striker; I think it makes me more of a threat, especially in the air, and with assists. I would say I am much more than a target man.

Is there anything that you would kick out of the modern game?

I think that the modern game, especially with all the new rules regulations, and foam lines, is getting a bit out of hand. People seem to be getting handed bans left right and centre. This sort of thing happened to me last season, when we played Coventry City. It had been a hard fought game, right from kick off and we were desperate for a goal. Fortunately, I ended up scoring a last minute winner, and darted straight for the fans to celebrate. The emotions and relief just took over, and then the ref marched over with the yellow card. I think it is ridiculous that you can get booked for celebrating a goal with your own fans.

You’re currently playing at Swindon Town. What made you move there, and how are you enjoying your football at the club?

Yes, I am really enjoying my football. Swindon offered me a good chance to progress my footballing career, which is why I was keen to secure move down there. I have scored something like

15 goals in 29 starts this season. I think that is quite a good return, and hopefully there will be more to come.

You are sitting a comfortable 3rd in League 1, and you look to have secured a playoff spot. How do you feel about a trip to Wembley?

We have had a great season so far, we are hitting our targets, and the boys are playing well. It is a dream to play at Wembley, which sounds like a cliché for a footballer, but it truly is. You grow up watching all the big names there, in cup finals, and interna-tionals, it would be an honour to play there, and if we get there, here’s hoping that we get the win.

‘AfterTheWhistle’Talks To

MICHAEL SMITH

‘AfterTheWhistle’ recently caught up with striker, Michael Smith of highflying league one outfit Swindon Town, for a one to one interview.

What are your first memories of playing football?

Growing up, I lived in a small cul-de-sac in Newcastle, in a town called Wallsend. There was about eight or nine other lads, around my age who also lived there, who all happened to be football mad. Everyone in the area was at the time. We all used to rush home from school, whack on a pair of trainers, and play football in the street until it was time for tea. This happened every night when I was a kid. It’s strange to me these days, how you don’t seem to see many kids playing on the streets, not just football, but anything.

Which club gave you your break?

My first professional club was Darlington FC. It’s quite an ironic story actually, my

time at Darlington. I was released by Darlington after I finished my apprentice-ship with the club. It turned out however, that they were short of players with two games to go in the season. Strangely enough, I ended up starting a game against Maccelsfield and scored the first goal. After the game, I headed off home, and my phone starting ringing. It was the gaffer. He offered me a one-year contract. I would say that is probably the proudest moment of my career.

As a youth you played for Wallsend Boys Club. A club that kick-started the careers of players such as Alan Shearer and Michael Carrick. How did you find your time playing for the boys club?

I really enjoyed my time there. At the time they were a cut above everyone else, their ethos was all about the development of their players. It was a great stepping-stone for my career. The Boys Club seemed to take everything more serious than the other teams in the area, and I think that reverberated within everyone at the club.

It’s one of those teams that will always stick with you. I learned so much during my time there, not only as a player, but also as a person.

Why do you think the small club, churns out so many successful footballers?

Well firstly, they have standards, some might call it class. I remember playing in a tournament in Skegness, which we won. All of the staff and players went to the presentation evening dressed in black pants, a white shirt ironed to a crisp, and club tie. I remember looking around at the other clubs in the room, and thinking that they had made no effort. After the trophy presentation, everyone came up to us. Parents, the opposition players, the other managers all came up to us and told us how smart and professional we looked. The Boys club helps turn young lads, into men.

Do you remember the first foot-ball match you attended?

I think it was Newcastle United vs.

Above: Swindon’s Smith converts against Preston North End

Left: Smith for Charlton Athletic Centre: Signing Wimbledon Contract Right: Smith for Swindon Town


What would you be doing if it weren’t for football?

I think if it weren’t for football, I would be an engineer. It was always in the back of my mind if something went wrong with my footballing career. I would still like to give it a go one day maybe, after I hang up my boots for good.

Finally, could you name me your Premier League all time starting 11?

I would have to start with Joe Hart between the sticks. He gets a lot of unfair criticism, if you actually pay attention, and study his movement and reactions, I don’t think you are going to see a better keeper in the Premier League for a long time to come. He’s up there with the likes of Schmeichel for me.I think I would go with a back three of Terry, Ferdinand and Ashley Cole. In their prime, I don’t think there was anyone who even came close, certainly not in my

lifetime.

For midfield I would go with Cristiano Ronaldo [of Course], Steven Gerrard, Paul Scholes, and finally Giggs. I don’t think I have to say anything more. I can’t think of many better players to watch, growing up.

Finally, I am going to have to go with a front three of Shearer, Henry and Dennis Bergkamp. All three were absolutely world-class strikers, and for me as a forward myself, there aren’t many better role models in world football to watch. One of my fondest memories of the Premier League, is the goal Bergkamp scored against Newcastle, for Arsenal. The way he flicked the ball around Nikos Dabizas, with his back to goal, and then slotted past Shay Given, was unbelievable.

W

Above: Michael Smith looking on as Swindon Town face Sheffield United


TOP

PREMIER LEAGUEFOREIGN FLOPS

7

W

NICKLASBENDTNER

FERNANDO MORIENTESClub: LiverpoolCost: £6.3 milApps: 61Goals: 12

Club: SunderlandCost: £13 milApps: 21(21)Goals: 1

Club: ArsenalCost: FreeApps: 108(66)Goals: 24

JOZYALTIDORE

The Spanish born striker secured a move to Mersyside in 2005, after impressing

in a Real Madrid. He played for a number of top flight European clubs during his career, including Real Madrid, Monaco, Valencia and of course, Liverpool. He also managed to rack up an impressive 47 caps for his international side, however he failed to impress for the red’s, scoring only 12 goals before moving back to Spain. He did however, managed to win both the UEFA Super Cup, and the FA Cup during his time with the club.

Altidore made his professional football debut aged only 16 with the New

York Red Bulls, before securing a big money move to Spanish outfit, Villareal.His first stint in the Premier League was a loan move to Hull, in which he only managed to score 1 goal in 28 games. However, the American born forward was given a second chance to impress in the Premier League, with Paolo Di Canio’s Sunderland. After once again failing to impress, he made the moved back to the MLS, for Toronto FC.

The big Danish striker came through the Arsenal youth system, before signing his

first professional contract in 2006. He was sent on loan to various English clubs at the start of his career, including Birmingham City and Sunderland. He joined Serie A side, Juventus for the duration of the 2012-2013 season, but Bendtner failed to get his name on the score sheet during his time there. He was released by Arsenal in 2014, and joined Wolfsburg on a free transfer.

1 2

3


MATEJA KEžMAN

Club: NewcastleCost: £9 milApps: 21Goals: 1

Club: MiddlesbroughCost: £12.5 milApps: 42Goals: 10

ALFONSO ALVES ALBERT LUQUE

#7

RADAMEL FALCAO

Club: Manchester United(Loan)Cost: £ 24 mil (inc wages)Apps: 19Goals: 4

The 29-year-old Columbian striker is arguably the greatest example of a

Premier League flop at present. After the sacking of David Moyes, Manchester United acted quickly, and looked to the experience and credentials of Dutchman, Louis Van Gaal, who signed Falcao on loan from AS Monaco. The fee was £6 million, with the option to make the move permanent for £43.5 million, if he proved to be a success at Old Trafford. He has since, failed to make

an impact for the club, despite earning a hefty, £265,000 a week in wages. Falcao has scored just Four times in 19 Premier League appearances for Manchester United, and has suffered reoccurring injuries to the knee that stopped him from playing in the 2014 World Cup. He was recently forced to play with the Under 21 development squad, in order to get some playing time.

The Serbian striker made his name during his time at PSV Eidndhoven, before going on to play top-

flight football in a number of countries, including Holland, England, Spain, France, Russia, Hong Kong and Belarus.

He won the accolade of ‘Dutch Footballer of the Year’ in 2003, and was rewarded by a move to Chelsea. Kežman failed to impress during his time in South London, and immediateley moved to Athletico Ma-drid the following season.

Club: ChelseaCost: £5.3 milApps: 25Goals: 4

16

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THISISSUE’S

muppetofthemonth

With... STEVEN GERRARD

Above: Gerrard Hands the Armband to Jordan Henderson

Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard saw red just seconds after coming on, as his side found them-

selves on the wrong end of a 2-1 score line, at the hands of Manchester United at Anfield.

Manager Brendan Rodgers was left with a sour taste in his mouth, after introducing Gerrard at the half time interval, taking the place of Adam Lallana, as he looked to bolster the Liverpool midfield with some big game experience.

However, Gerrard soon seen red, after a heavy chal-lenge on United goal scorer Juan Mata, he followed up with another on Ander Herrera, after which he proceeded to stamp on the ankle of the young midfielder.

Referee Martin Atkinson, didn’t waste much time before brandishing the red card, and the Liverpool captain was given his marching orders, just 38 seconds after being introduced.

Gerrard has always been a ‘heart on the sleeve’ type of player, who’s game is fuelled by emotion, lead-ing his side to dramatic glory in both, the Champi-ons League, and FA Cup in his illustrious career.

However, this is a moment, which the red’s skipper will want to forget.

In a post match interview, Gerrard spoke of his disappointment, “I just need to accept it, the ref made the right decision. I know that I have let my teammates down, I have let the manager down, and more importantly, I have let the supporters down. They were fantastic today.”

The Liverpool captain, who is currently playing his last season in the Premier League, before moving stateside, to play for LA Galaxy, was quick to har-bour the responsibility, “ I take full responsibil-ity for my actions. I have been in the game long enough now, to know that when you do something like that, especially with the timing of the chal-lenge, with 45 minutes to play, it was a stupid decision.”

The loss ended a 13 game unbeaten streak for Liverpool, who have seen their season turn around dramatically, after Christmas.

Gerrard ended the interview by saying, “I take full responsibility for todays result.”

FACT! Gerrard has recieved 7 Red Cards in his career, with over half of them being handed out in games against Manchester United, and Mersyside rivals Everton

26 www.AfterTheWhistle.com March 2015

When have you seen red? We Want To Know!Tweet the AfterTheWhistle team, for your chance to appear in next month’s issue.

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