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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Tom Blow

Steven Gerrard silences boos and dodges missiles after scoring in Liverpool charity game

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard scored a penalty in front of 4,000 Celtic fans during a charity game between the two clubs on Saturday afternoon.

The Reds welcomed Celtic to Anfield to raise money for the LFC foundation, a charitable organisation which supports more than 83,000 people through a variety of schemes. Thousands of fans travelled to Merseyside for the game - including many from Glasgow.

Gerrard was the star attraction, although he was always going to get a rough reception from Celtic fans following his time in charge of Rangers. Gerrard's side stopped Celtic from winning a 10th consecutive Scottish Premiership title by lifting the trophy in May 2021.

Liverpool won the game 2-0 thanks to goals from Gerrard and Mark Gonzalez - a Chilean midfielder who helped Liverpool reach the 2007 Champions League final - either side of half-time. Gerrard's goal was undoubtedly the highlight for Liverpool and Rangers fans.

The hosts won a spot kick when Martin Skrtel, who played more than 300 games for Liverpool, stole possession and stormed into Celtic's penalty area. The referee then pointed to the spot after a crude tackle from Darren O'Dea, the former Celtic defender.

It was obvious Gerrard was going to take it in front of Celtic's remarkable following. Despite it being a charity game, Gerrard received all kinds of abuse and boos from the away end - yet he silenced them by sending goalkeeper Artur Boruc the wrong way.

Steven Gerrard celebrated his goal in front of the Celtic fans (Liverpool FC)

Do you think Celtic fans were right to boo Steven Gerrard? Let us know in the comments below!

The former Liverpool captain enjoyed his goal. He celebrated in front of the Celtic fans with his arms aloft, although he was forced to swerve some objects that were thrown from the stands. Celtic nor Liverpool have commented on the missiles in question.

The boos from the away end were drowned out by the thousands of joyous Liverpool fans celebrating. The Reds doubled their lead after the interval when Gonzalez cut in front the left and found the bottom corner of Boruc's near post with a cheeky finish.

Celtic fans gave Gerrard plenty of stick throughout the afternoon, although that was always going to be happen considering his Rangers links. Apart from the ugly scenes after Gerrard's goal, there was a brilliant atmosphere at Anfield. Both sets of fans sang 'You'll Never Walk Alone' - Liverpool's and Celtic's main anthem - in unison before kick-off.

Objects were thrown in the former Rangers manager's direction (Liverpool FC)

There were many Liverpool legends on show - including Sami Hyypia, Dirk Kuyt, Steve McManaman, Djibril Cisse, Jerzy Dudek and Luis Garcia. Joe Ledley and Stiliyan Petrov were among Celtic's icons, while Robbie Keane played for both clubs at Anfield.

Despite the ugly scenes after his goal, Gerrard was full of praise for both sets of supporters. He said, "It wouldn't be so successful without the support of the fans, and to be fair to Celtic - they turned up in their numbers today. It's been a really enjoyable day."

Fellow Liverpool legend Gary McAllister added, "It's a fantastic thing that Celtic brought 4,000 all the way down from Scotland to come and support the foundation. It supports Celtic's foundation as well."

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