Domestic ban rules Gerrard out
Monday, February 3, 2003
Article summary
Steven Gerrard will miss England's next friendly after picking up a three-match Premiership ban.
Article body
Steven Gerrard will miss England's upcoming friendly against Australia after being handed a three-match domestic ban for violent conduct by the English Football Association.
Two-footed lunge
The ban means that the Liverpool FC midfield player will not be considered for international duty against the Australians on 12 February. The FA charged Gerrard after viewing video evidence of the player's two-footed lunge on Everton FC defender Gary Naysmith during the goalless Merseyside derby at Anfield on 22 December.
Poll evidence
Referee Graham Poll, who did not punish Gerrard or even give a free-kick because he did not see the incident properly, was also called to give evidence at the hearing.
Immediate ban
No fine was imposed but Gerrard and Liverpool must pay the expenses of the hearing, and the ban starts immediately. The midfield player will therefore miss Wednesday's FA Cup fourth-round replay with Crystal Palace FC, Saturday's Premiership match against Middlesbrough FC and the trip to Birmingham City FC on 23 February.
