Benitez plays down Gerrard fracas

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has played down Steven Gerrard's angry confrontation with Feyenoord players in the 1-1 draw on Sunday.

Gerrard, 27, appeared to raise an arm at Theo Lucius following a late tackle by Royston Drenthe on the Reds captain, which resulted in a melee.

Six Reds players were booked in the friendly but Benitez said: "I do not think Steven will be in trouble.

"There was a lot going on. Maybe you should talk with the referee."

There were nine yellow cards overall in the game and Benitez clearly felt that the referee did not adequately control matters.

He added: "Maybe these kind of games are more difficult with a local referee in charge. They become even more difficult.

"I am not bothered really about what went on and how the lads were treated, it is not the end of the world."

The Reds came back from a goal down to earn a draw with the Dutch side - and it was Gerrard who grabbed the equaliser.

"I felt the team played okay, we had some chances but could not score," said Benitez.

"In terms of football, we were all right. As for the tournament, this was a very strange one."

Meanwhile, Benitez says Gerrard will be used more as a central midfielder this season after being used on the right and in a forward role for large parts of the past two campaigns.

"Steven will normally play more games this season in a central role. We have got plenty of wingers now," confirmed Benitez.

Source: BBC Sport