JONJO SHELVEY has issued an apology for his red card and subsequent reaction in Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at Anfield.
The Reds midfielder was dismissed by referee Mark Halsey shortly before half-time for a two-footed challenge on United defender Jonny Evans.
As Shelvey reluctantly trudged off the pitch he then verbally abused Alex Ferguson in the belief that the visiting boss’ angry response to the tackle had influenced the decision to send him off.
Via Twitter, the 20-year-old said: “I apologise to the fans for getting sent off but no way was I pulling out of that tackle in a game of that importance. I’m sorry. I have also apologised to Sir Alex, just where I come from people don’t grass people up to get someone sent off.”
The final comment about Ferguson being “a grass” was later deleted by Shelvey, who will now serve a three-match suspension.
The two managers have differing opinions about Shelvey’s dismissal with Reds boss Brendan Rodgers insisting Evans could also have been given his marching orders.
“If Jonjo Shelvey gets sent off then Jonny Evans has to go as well. I think both players’ feet are off the floor,” said Rodgers.
Ferguson added: “I thought it was a clear red card.
“The boy has gone in really dangerously and I don’t think there’s any other decision the referee could have given.
“He was trying to blame me! Once he looks at it he can apologise if he likes. I think he should do that.”
