Brendan Rodgers Disappointed With Referee Mark Halsey

Liverpool and Manchester United battled out in an emotional night in Anfield which was a night to forget for the Merseyside club as they lost 1-2 to their bitter rivals.

Liverpool were reduced to 10 men as early as the 40th minute as youngster Jonjo Shelvey was sent off for a tackle on United defender Jonny Evans. However Rodgers said he believes Evans was equally at fault for the tough collision.

“If Jonjo Shelvey gets sent off than so should Jonny Evans,” Rodgers told the BBC. 

“I am bitterly disappointed the referee only saw one side of that.

“I thought the best team lost. What you can’t control is decisions by the referee. The players were outstanding.”

The former Swansea City boss also provided a damning verdict on referee Mark Halsey’s decision to award a penalty – converted by Robin van Persie for the winning goal – after Antonio Valencia was judged to have been tripped by defender Glen Johnson.

“It was never a penalty,” Rodgers claimed. 

“It was just one of those days. The decisions just didn’t go our way. I think we were harshly dealt with today. We’ll soon turn these results into wins.

“I think performance wise everybody can see the growth. I’ve got I’m pretty sure our luck will change and then we’ll fly.”