Gerrard apologises for horror tackle

Liverpool - Liverpool and England midfielder Steven Gerrard apologised on Sunday for his late tackle earlier in the day on Everton's Gary Naysmith during the goalless league draw at Anfield.

Gerrard's two-footed challenge ensured the 167th Merseyside derby ended in fiery fashion with players from both sides squaring up to one another.

But afterwards Gerrard insisted the challenge was accidental and that he had not meant to injure Everton midfielder Naysmith.

"I want to apologise for the tackle," Gerrard told Liverpool's official website.

"I have gone in with two feet with my studs showing, but I tried to pull back as late as possible. I didn't deliberately try to hurt him.

"I've apologised to the player after the game. If I tried to go straight through him then I'd have hurt him, but I did try to pull out of the tackle," Gerrard added.

"He accepted the apology and I've also tried to explain to some of the other Everton players that it wasn't my intention to hurt him. I do apologise for going into a tackle with two feet and with my studs showing.

"I spoke to David Moyes (Everton manager) after the game as well and he just said to me that these things happen.

"It's a derby game and tackles go flying in left, right and centre but it is never my intention to hurt a fellow player."

The result left Everton fourth, a place ahead of arch-rivals Liverpool. Gerard Houllier's men have now taken just two points from a possible 21 - their worst run in the league for 49 years.

However, Liverpool are still just seven points behind leaders and reigning champions Arsenal. - Sapa-AFP