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LIVERPOOL FC skipper Steven Gerrard says he went “too far” with his comments about Everton's style following Sunday’s controversial Merseyside derby.

The Reds midfielder, who described the Blues as a “long ball team” who are “very similar to Stoke”, admits emotions were running high after seeing Luis Suarez’s last-gasp strike wrongly disallowed for offside.

“Just to clarify I’ve watched the game again, and I’ve seen some of Everton’s matches this season, and what I said in relation to their style of play went too far,” Gerrard told the ECHO.

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“I was frustrated by the disallowed goal from Luis when I spoke and also some of the things that have been said about Luis in recent weeks which haven’t been fair in my opinion.

“As captain I have a duty to stand up for our players when I feel they are unfairly singled out.

See Steven Gerrard's Liverpool FC Premier League stats for this season

“But it wasn’t my intention to disrespect Everton or Stoke for that matter and I certainly didn’t intend any disrespect to their manager or players.

“I have the utmost respect for David Moyes and Tony Pulis and the job they have done at their respective clubs.

“My main issue was with the goal that wasn’t given and that Liverpool did not get the three points I felt we deserved in what was a fantastic derby match.”