03.02.2003 - Gerrard banned for 3 games

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Steven Gerrard has been found guilty of violent conduct by the FA following his challenge on Everton's Gary Naysmith in December's Merseyside Derby.

Gerrard was not punished by match referee Graham Poll, but Poll admitted later that he had not had a clear view of the incident, which was therefore sent to the FA's video panel who charged Gerrard with violent conduct.

The Reds' midfielder requested a personal hearing to contest the charge, but at a hearing at Bolton's Reebok Stadium, and despite being backed by manager Gerard Houllier and also the PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor, Gerrard was found guilty and will serve a 3 match suspension.

The ban is effective immediately, which will rule Gerrard out of Wednesday's FA Cup replay against Crystal Palace. He will also miss the league game against Middlesbrough at the weekend, and the FA Cup 5th round match against Leeds or Gillingham, should Liverpool beat Palace. If Liverpool are knocked out of the competition this week, Gerrard will complete his ban at St Andrews at the end of the month, when Liverpool face Birmingham in the Premiership.