• Premier League

Gerrard escapes FA rap as Benitez defends skipper

ESPN staff
March 10, 2010
Steven Gerrard was left frustrated at Wigan © Getty Images
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The FA have confirmed Steven Gerrard has escaped punishment for what appeared to be a two-fingered gesture towards referee Andre Marriner during Liverpool's 1-0 defeat to Wigan.

Pictures of Gerrard's hand gesture were spread across the back pages of most Tuesday morning papers, although it is unconfirmed that the Liverpool captain aimed it in the direction of referee Marriner. Club officials are adamant the player's actions were in no way offensive, with Rafael Benitez describing the moment as "nothing".

The incident came after Gerrard chased a loose ball into the corner, where he lunged in on Wigan midfielder James McCarthy. Marriner awarded a free kick as a result of the challenge.

Gerrard was visibly frustrated when he got to his feet and, had Marriner reported any wrongdoing, the Reds' skipper could have had a case to answer with the FA. However, the official witnessed the incident at the time and deemed it unworthy of further punishment.

Rafael Benitez has defended his player, insisting the gesture was nothing more than an involuntary movement.

"Sometimes you move your fingers. It was nothing. We are not considering it, it was nothing," said the Liverpool boss. "All the players know they have to behave on the pitch. I was more worried about the silly fouls we were giving to Wigan.''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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