Liverpool's Steven Gerrard sent off within seconds of entering match vs. United
Steven Gerrard needed under a minute to put his stamp on the match against Manchester United.
The Liverpool captain's final appearance against Manchester United was similar to Zinedine Zidane's final game for France, as he added another unsavoury chapter to the end of his Premier League tale after a moment of madness just seconds into his introduction Sunday earned him a straight red card.
After the Liverpool captain was left of Brendan Rodgers's team sheet at Anfield, Gerrard was introduced as a halftime substitute in an effort to provide a spark for Liverpool as they trailed United by a goal.
Instead, Gerrard's appearance only benefited United. He was sent off less than a minute after coming on for Adam Lallana when he maliciously stomped on Ander Herrera's leg.
Match official Martin Atkinson didn't hesitate and gave Gerrard his walking papers with a straight red card as he embarrassingly made the lonely walk down the tunnel.
The cynical challenge likely isn't enough to eclipse the infamous slip that cost Liverpool the title in 2014, but it will inspire a new song about another Gerrard implosion.
Social media is already having a field day at his expense:
WOW. Steven Gerrard comes on at half-time, is sent off 40 seconds later. Incredible. Sky Sports 1 now! #LFCvsMUFC pic.twitter.com/bypORF7Q6I
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 22, 2015
Gerrard's heat map. #LFCvsMUFC pic.twitter.com/AOceYuiIKs
— Football Tips (@footballtips) March 22, 2015
[39] seconds ... is how long Steven Gerrard lasted before Martin Atkinson sent him on his way for a stamp on Herrara #LFC
— Ben Dinnery (@BenDinnery) March 22, 2015
The Gerrard tackle before the red card indicated his head had gone. Clearly p****d at not starting.
— Craig Burley (@CBurleyESPN) March 22, 2015
Basically Gerrard just did what we all would've done if we were given 40 seconds of game time against Man Utd.
— Jonny (@JonnyOneill) March 22, 2015
Steven Gerrard's game by numbers:
40 seconds played
0% pass accuracy
0 tackles won
1 foul
1 red card
Silly boy. pic.twitter.com/QFZme12ExT
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) March 22, 2015
Many have also compared his contribution on the day to this classic Simpson's scene: