Gerrard in the clear after Liverpool captain 'flashed V-sign' at ref Marriner

Published: 10 Mar 2010 - 08:35:33

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Gerrard in the clear after Liverpool captain 'flashed V-sign' at ref Marriner

Steven Gerrard has been told he will not be punished for apparently aiming aV-sign at referee Andre Marriner at the DW Stadium on Monday. FA chiefs have looked at the incident, following Gerrard's 82nd-minute booking in Liverpool's 1-0 defeat by lowly Wigan, but decided not to take it any further after consulting Marriner. It is understood the Birmingham official indicated before leaving the ground he was aware of the incident but did not intend including it in his report. Stevie V: Gerrard makes shameful gesture towards referee Andre Marriner after he was booked in Liverpool's defeat at Wigan The FA shared his view that it was a momentary show of frustrationat the prospect of a ninth Barclays Premier League defeat this seasonfor Liverpool, and that the matter could be dropped. Television pictures showed the Liverpool skipper apparently raisingtwo fingers towards Marriner and mouthing an obscenity following hiscaution for a reckless challenge. Hugo's boss: Rodallega rams home Wigan's winner to lift the Latics to 14th Manager Rafa Benitez said he did not see the incident, whichhappened on the far side of the pitch, while club officials strenuouslydenied Gerrard had done anything untoward. The FA's stance will come as a huge relief to Gerrard, who wasclearly irritated by his side's shortcomings on the night, and toBenitez, who can ill-afford to lose the drive and energy of hisinspirational skipper as Liverpool attempt to stay in the race forfourth place. Liverpool's first defeat by Wigan left them sixth, having playedmore games than main rivals Manchester City, Tottenham and Aston Villa,and exposed how fragile their self-belief has become. Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez demands big improvements after dismal Wigan lossLiverpool fans won't stand for Benitez's horror show at Wigan, says JewellLIVERPOOL FC