Gerrard fires message to Celtic fans after wild scenes in Liverpool charity game

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Steven Gerrard scored against Celtic on Saturday afternoon (Image: Getty Images)
Steven Gerrard scored against Celtic on Saturday afternoon (Image: Getty Images)

Steven Gerrard has admitted he enjoyed 'milking' his goal in Liverpool's 2-0 victory against Celtic at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.

Gerrard, who led Celtic's bitter rivals Rangers to the Scottish Premiership title two years ago, took part in a legend's match to raise money for the LFC foundation - a charitable organisation which supports more than 83,000 people through a variety of schemes.

Around 4,000 Celtic fans travelled to Merseyside for the charity game. There was a good atmosphere at Anfield, but things turned ugly when Gerrard scored a penalty. Missiles were thrown at the former Rangers boss as he celebrated in front of the Celtic fans.

Gerrard received plenty of stick from Celtic supporters during his time in charge of Rangers between June 2018 and November 2021. He was also hammered by the same those same fans at Anfield on Sunday, as they booed him throughout the legend's match.

Yet Gerrard silenced the away end by scoring the opening goal. Liverpool won a penalty when Martin Skrtel stole possession and ran into Celtic's box. He was then hacked down by Darren O'Dea - giving Gerrard the chance to inflict some misery on Celtic.

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"It was definitely a penalty," admitted Gerrard at full-time. "Martin Skrtel's excellent - bursting through like a marauding midfielder. Stonewall penalty.

Gerrard fires message to Celtic fans after wild scenes in Liverpool charity gameSteven Gerrard enjoyed his goal in front of the Celtic fans (Getty Images)

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"There was only one taker from there and that's me, in front of the Celtic fans. A little bit of pressure, I waited for [the goalkeeper Artur Boruc] to go, and you have to milk it. I've had so much stick off them so they can have a bit back. There you go."

Yet Gerrard also thanked those Celtic fans who travelled from Glasgow. He added, "It [the fundraiser] wouldn't be so successful without the support of the fans, and to be fair to Celtic - they turned up in their numbers today. It's been a really enjoyable day."

Gary McAllister, who was Gerrard's assistant manager at Ibrox, also thanked the Celtic fans. He said, "It's a fantastic thing that Celtic brought 4,000 all the way down from Scotland to come and support the foundation. It supports Celtic's foundation as well."

Liverpool's second goal on Saturday afternoon was scored by Mark Gonzalez. Several former Reds stars featured at Anfield - including Sami Hyypia, Dirk Kuyt, Steve McManaman, Djibril Cisse, Jerzy Dudek and Luis Garcia. Sir Kenny Dalglish was Liverpool's manager.

Celtic's XI included Joe Ledley and Stiliyan Petrov, while Robbie Keane represented both Liverpool and Celtic on Saturday afternoon. The two sets of fans united before the game to sing 'You'll Never Walk Alone' - which is the main anthem for both clubs.

Liverpool have been involved in many legend's games before - taking on the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester United. Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher and Man Utd hero Gary Neville captained the two sides when they met at Old Trafford in 2022.

Tom Blow

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