FA deny Houllier’s allegations over Gerrard’s suspension
xMuch to Houllier's disgust, Gerrard was banned for three games for his two-footed tackle on Everton's Gary Naysmith in the December derby.
The midfielder's ban will start immediately, after Liverpool decided not to appeal, a process which could have left Gerrard free to play in England's February 12 friendly but ruled out of the Worthington Cup final against Manchester United.
Furious Houllier hinted that the FA would have preferred him to appeal, claiming: "They tried to say to me that Steven could begin his ban on February 17. Somebody mentioned to me that he could play for the national team if he did that no chance!"
However, the FA responded to Houllier in a statement which read: "The disciplinary commission which sat on Monday has absolutely no involvement whatsoever in the FA policy that makes players, who are suspended for violent conduct, ineligible for selection for England friendly fixtures.
"It is therefore entirely inaccurate to suggest that any kind of deal would, or could, have been brokered between the club and the commission on Monday to enable there to be special dispensation regarding the timing of Steven Gerrard's suspension.
"It is the case that, at the hearing, the commission made Liverpool aware of the two options which are always open to any party receiving a penalty at a disciplinary hearing.
"They can lodge an appeal against the penalty, in which case the penalty itself is deferred for the 14-day period during which the appeal is considered.
"Or they can make the commission aware on the day of the hearing that they have no intention of appealing, which results in an immediate invocation of the penalty.
"On this occasion, Liverpool took the latter option and Steven Gerrard's suspension has consequently commenced with immediate effect. The matter is now closed."
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