Celtic fans targeted Steven Gerrard with missiles after he celebrated a penalty for Liverpool in a legends game on Saturday. The former Reds captain put his old side 1-0 up at Anfield with a trademark penalty in the 38th minute after Martin Skrtel was fouled in the area. After scoring, Gerrard reeled off in celebration in front of the away end, making sure to give it to the fans as he raised his arms and jumped in the air. Celtic fans responded by throwing objects at the players, and staff came on the pitch to remove what looked like bottles and other objects. One fan even took off his green and white shirt and threw it towards the 42-year-old. One Celtic player even seemed to be heading towards the Reds captain to perhaps tell him to stop goading the fans.
The charity legends match at Anfield was taking part for the LFC Foundation, which raises money for programmes across Merseyside. Alongside Gerrard, the match featured a number of recognisable names such as Dirk Kuyt, Robbie Keane and Luis Garcia. Speaking after the match, Gerrard said: “Listen, it feels good when I score in the back garden against Lio! If you love football, if you love the game, if you love this club, I’ll never get tired of that. There was a bit of pressure on me! I took my son to football this morning and he scored a couple, so he had said to me, ‘You best score today or you’re going to have to buy me something.’ At least I’ll save a few quid by getting on the scoresheet!”
Gerrard previously managed Rangers, Celtic’s Old Firm rivals, leading them to a Scottish Premiership title win in 2021, ending an era of Hoops dominance. There was no love lost between the two sides of the divide, with Celtic fans responding to Gerrard’s celebration by throwing objects at the players. It may have seemed like an over-the-top celebration for a charity game, but it made plenty of sense due to Gerrard’s history with Rangers.
The incident highlights the issue of fan behaviour in football, and the need for measures to be taken to prevent such incidents from happening. It is not acceptable for fans to throw objects at players, regardless of the circumstances. Football should be a sport that brings people together, not one that divides them. The LFC Foundation is doing important work in raising money for programmes across Merseyside, and it is important that events such as the legends game are not marred by incidents like this.
In conclusion, the incident involving Steven Gerrard and Celtic fans highlights the need for measures to be taken to prevent such incidents from happening in football. The LFC Foundation is doing important work in raising money for programmes across Merseyside, and it is important that events such as the legends game are not marred by incidents like this. Football should be a sport that brings people together, not one that divides them.