Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has publicly retracted comments he made following the Merseyside Derby regarding Everton´s style of play, admitting that they were borne of frustration rather than fact.
Gerrard had suggested that the Toffees had adopted a direct, physical style of play, comparable to fellow Premier League side Stoke City.
However, he was laughed off in the media for his outburst – simply because the statistics of the match didn´t back him up in any area.
Liverpool ´keeper Brad Jones launched more long balls than Tim Howard, Everton completed far more short passes, had the lions share of possession and the higher pass completion rate – just a few notable statistics highlighted by the BBC, ESPN, Sky and the Independent newspaper, amongst others..
Now aware of the embarrassing nature of his frustrated tirade, Gerrard has moved to clarify his comments.
“Just to clarify, I’ve watched the game again, and I’ve seen some of Everton’s matches this season, and what I said in relation to their style of play went too far.” Stated the 31-year-old.
“I was frustrated by the disallowed goal from Luis [Suarez] when I spoke and also some of the things that have been said about Luis in recent weeks which haven’t been fair in my opinion.”
Notably, Gerrard didn´t mention his frustration at Raheem Sterling not being sent off for two bookable offences, or the lack of punishment for Luis Suarez when the Uruguayan committed two horrific stamps during the game on Kevin Mirallas and Sylvain Distin.
Everton have published the retraction on the official website.