Celtic fans throw bottles at Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard

Celtic fans threw bottles at Steven Gerrard on Saturday after the Liverpool icon had taunted them during a legends match at Anfield. Gerrard was in action for the Reds and struck a penalty to open the scoring before running past the away fans with his arms outstretched in celebration.

Liverpool went head-to-head with Celtic at 3pm, with Kop legend Kenny Daglish taking charge of the home side. A whole host of former Reds stars were back in action at Anfield as the likes of Sami Hyypia, Gary McAllister, Steve McManaman, Robbie Keane and Dirk Kuyt all lined-up for their ex-employers.

And Daglish’s side were given the opportunity to open the scoring just before half time after Martin Skrtel was brought down by Darren O’Dea in the penalty area. Gerrard stepped up to take the spot kick and made no mistake with his effort as he sent Celtic keeper Artur Boruc the wrong way.

Gerrard started his management career at Celtic’s arch-rivals Rangers and spent nearly three-and-a-half years at Ibrox between 2018 and 2021. And he appeared to have a score to settle with the Celtic fans as he made his delight known to them following his goal. The Celtic fans were clearly outraged at his celebration and some of them threw water bottles in the ex-England international’s direction as emotions boiled over on Merseyside.

Gerrard had earlier cupped his ears to the away fans and had also sarcastically gestured to them to up their noise level. And there was clearly no love lost between the former Premier League star and supporters who were in attendance to cheer on the Hoops.

Liverpool doubled their advantage straight after the break as Mark Gonzalez left a defender trailing in his wake inside the box before slotting the ball into the bottom corner of the goal. And the home side continued to dominate proceedings in the second period.

Gerrard is one of the best players to have ever featured for Liverpool and bagged an incredible 186 goals and 154 assists in 710 appearances for the club. In 2005, the ace was part of Rafa Benitez’s team that overcame a 3-0 half time deficit against AC Milan in the Champions League final to stun the Italian team and lift the trophy. The 42-year-old also lifted the UEFA Cup trophy as well as two FA Cups and three League Cups during his time as a player at Anfield.

He hung up his boots in 2017 and went on to manage Aston Villa following his stint at Rangers. But he was sacked earlier this season after less than a year in charge at Villa Park.