Benitez rues decision to rob Fowler of fitting finale

RAFAEL BENITEZ admitted he was a minute too early in taking Robbie Fowler off to give him the chance of a standing ovation from his Anfield fans.

The Liverpool chief opted to withdraw Fowler with two minutes left, and 60 seconds later the Merseysiders were awarded a penalty.

The Kop erupted into “we want Fowler” but by then it was too late for the skipper-for-the-day to step up and sign off his Anfield career with a spot-kick in front of the fans who idolise him. Charlton had led twice, through Matt Holland and Darren Bent, but Xabi Alonso and then Harry Kewell — with that penalty — gave Liverpool the point they needed to clinch third spot.