STEVEN GERRARD accused referee Mark Halsey of getting the big decisions wrong in Liverpool’s controversial 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at Anfield.

The Reds skipper insists Brendan Rodgers’ side could be proud of their performance after they outplayed United but ended up with nothing to show for their efforts.

Liverpool were ultimately left to rue Jonjo Shelvey’s first-half dismissal for a heavy challenge on Jonny Evans.

In the second half Halsey turned down a clear spot-kick when Luis Suarez was upended by Evans and he then awarded United a soft penalty which Robin Van Persie converted for the winner.

The setback leaves the Reds in the bottom three with just two points from their opening five Premier League games.

To add to Liverpool’s agony, they suffered a treble injury blow with Fabio Borini (ankle), Daniel Agger (knee) and Martin Kelly (knee) all being forced off. Agger’s appears to be the most concerning with fears that he has damaged medial ligaments.

“The lads performed really well both with 11 men and after we went down to 10,” said Gerrard. “In these big games you need the rub of the green and things to go your way. You certainly don’t need big refereeing decisions that are wrong going against you. That’s what happened today and we feel hard done by.

“I feel for Jonjo a bit. It’s a big game and these games are about big tackles. I don’t think he got the tackle wrong. If his tackle is wrong, then Evans’ tackle is wrong as well.

“That’s the consistency we’re looking for from referees and Mark Halsey got that one wrong.

“We gave everything and came away with nothing. You can’t criticise or point any fingers in the dressing room when the lads perform like that.”

It was an emotional afternoon at Anfield as both clubs paid their respects to the Hillsborough victims. Gerrard fired the Reds ahead early in the second half and celebrated by pointing to the heavens in memory of the 96, which included his young cousin Jon-Paul Gilhooley.

However, the 10 men couldn’t hold on as Rafael equalised before Van Persie settled it from the spot.

“Playing against Manchester United and trying to get the three points, getting a goal would always mean a lot but because of the timing and the occasion even more so,” added Gerrard. “I would have loved nothing better than to get three points today and dedicate it to all the families.

“There’s an extra disappointment but I thought both sets of fans behaved really well before and during the game which was important.”

With the Reds on the brink of defeat, the Kop chanted Rodgers’ name for the first time and Gerrard believes it highlighted that despite the results, supporters can see that progress is being made.

Liverpool now face a trip to West Brom in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday night before chasing their first league win of the campaign at Norwich City next Saturday.

“Although we got beat, I feel slightly different than previous times when we’ve lost to United because I was really pleased with how we played,” said Gerrard.

“We will win a lot of football matches playing worse than that. That’s a positive to take away.

“We know how many points we have got on the board and it’s not good enough. But if we keep playing with that kind of effort and determination it will only be a matter of time before we go on a winning sequence. Not many sides will be able to live with us because we played some good stuff.

“This is no time to panic. We have a run of games coming up now where there are points that we should be taking.

“We haven’t got our first win yet but if you look at the performances today and against Man City at home we should have got six points

“There’s more pressure because that win hasn’t come yet.

“But we just need to keep playing like we did today and hopefully we’ll get the rub of the green and get refereeing decisions go in our favour.”