03.08.2003 - Two sent off in Liverpool defeat
Neil Mellor and Steven Gerrard were both given their marching orders as Liverpool's unbeaten pre-season record was ended by Galatasaray in the Reds' second and final game of the Amsterdam Tournament.
Joao Batista opened the scoring on 20 minutes after easily getting behind the Liverpool defence, and a tremendous save from Chris Kirkland after half an hour kept the score at 1-0.
At the other end, Vladimir Smicer was unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet but dragged a shot across goal after some delightful footwork had seen him take the ball past three Gala players.
Emile Heskey did level the scores though, with a well taken header on 36 minutes, but a free kick by Brazilian Cesar Prates put the Turks back ahead 7 minutes before the break.
There may have been a lack of goals in the second half, but there was still plenty of talking points, which involved the two red cards issued by Rene Temmink.
A bad challenge by Igor Biscan was when the trouble started, and as the Turkish player theatrically rolled around on the floor, Gerrard was shoved needlessly by another Gala player which caused ugly scenes involving a number of players from either side which eventually saw two bookings plus a yellow card for Biscan for the initial foul.
But the bad tempers remained and the game had to be stopped in order for the referee to instruct the two captains to calm down their players.
But a poor challenge by Mellor followed just minutes after the youngester had been brought on as a sub, and Rene Temmink reached for his notebook and to everyone's surprise showed a straight red card to Mellor, and a second yellow to Gerrard, who was furious with the decision to send off the Liverpool striker.
Sinama-Pongolle had a shot brilliantly cleared off the line after he had latched onto a Gerrard pass earlier in the half and rounded the keeper, but that was the closest Liverpool came to an equaliser.
The late controversy will dominate the headlines though, and Liverpool will have been glad to hear the final whistle on a tournament which traditionally they have not enjoyed, while Neil Mellor will face a wait to find out whether he will have to serve a domestic ban for his dismissal.
Liverpool travel to Scotland for their next game, which is on Turesday evening against Galatasaray, before they play the final first team friendly at Anfield on Saturday against 2002 Spanish Champions, Valencia.
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