Gerrard appeals for FA Cup calm

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has appealed for calm ahead of Saturday's potentially fiery FA Cup tie against Manchester United.

The lunchtime showdown between the two rivals is likely to be more hostile than usual in the wake of the fall-out from Luis Suarez's eight-match ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra.

Both clubs have tried to ease tensions in the build-up and Merseyside Police have stressed they will take firm action against anyone guilty of inappropriate behaviour.

Gerrard says it is important the fourth round tie is not remembered for the wrong reasons.



"We all have a responsibility," said Gerrard. "We all have a responsibility to ensure that this game is remembered for the football.

"Liverpool and Man United is a massive rivalry and, of course, there is going to be stuff in the papers and banter between fans.

"But it would be fantastic if, after the weekend, it is remembered for being a top game and obviously, from our point of view, a Liverpool win.

"We don't want any front-page stories from this game or any stories besides a football match between two top sides."



Liverpool booked a Carling Cup final place this week and Gerrard wants to make it a double in the FA Cup.

"We've got to dust ourselves down and get our recovery in because we've got a massive game in the FA Cup," he said.

"We want to do the same in that competition - we want to go a long way."