Defiant Houllier backs Gerrard

Gerrard was banned for three games after this tackle

Gerard Houllier insists that Steven Gerrard's three-match ban will not wreck Liverpool's season.

Despite a wretched run of mid-season form, Houllier's Reds are chasing Champions League qualification and are still involved in three cup competitions.

But Gerrard's suspension, punishment for a two-footed lunge at Everton defender Gary Naysmith, has come at the wrong time.

Gerrard-less games

5 Feb: Crystal Palace

8 Feb: Middlesbrough

23 Feb: Birmingham

The midfielder will miss Wednesday's FA Cup replay with Crystal Palace and the Premiership match with Middlesbrough on 8 February.

He will also be banned for the Premiership match against Birmingham, or for the fifth round of the FA Cup should Liverpool progress.

Gerrard hit with three-match ban

And the ban means he is not eligible for England's friendly with Australia.

A disappointed Houllier said: "The suspension starts now.

Houllier is unimpressed with the FA's decision

"He's been playing well but we won't let things destroy us.

"We will be strong and overcome this."

But Houllier was nevertheless critical of the Football Association's decision following Gerrard's three-hour hearing in Bolton on Monday.

He believes Liverpool have been treated unfairly after Arsenal's Dennis Bergkamp and Chelsea goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini escaped suspension following similar hearings recently.

"We are very disappointed with the verdict," said Houllier.

"I don't want to refer to other cases when the same sanctions were not applied - I can't say what I really feel."

Gerrard was not punished for the challenge during the match as referee Graham Poll did not see the incident.

Houllier's outburst follows his recent criticism of Francis Jeffers, who won a penalty for Arsenal when the sides drew 1-1 at Highbury in December.

Houllier blames Jeffers

The Liverpool boss believed the decision ended his side's chances of winning the Premiership title.

And Houllier maintains Gerrard is innocent, adding: "I would not have defended Steven if for one moment I felt he was guilty.

"I repeat what I have always said, that it was a mistimed tackle. Even Everton boss David Moyes acknowledged that.

"It was an action that happens in football, a collision, that's all.

"If I had had the slightest hint that he was guilty of something I would not have come to defend him."

Arsenal striker Bergkamp received a fine but no ban following his trial by video for a stamp on Blackburn defender Nils-Eric Johansson back in October.

And Cudicini's sending-off after an altercation with then Middlesbrough striker Dean Windass was deemed sufficient punishment without a suspension.

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