Houllier blasts 'pathetic' Souness

Report: Blackburn 1-3 Liverpool

Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier has branded Graeme Souness' apology for Lucas Neill's tackle on Jamie Carragher as "pathetic".

Neill's challenge left Carragher with a broken leg and a probable six months out of the game.

Houllier was upset that both Souness and Neill waited until Monday to express their sympathy for Carragher.

"Jamie Carragher was injured at ten past three on Saturday and the apology came 48 hours later - it was absolutely pathetic," Houllier told the club's website.

"If anyone thinks I'm going to give up on this, they are wrong."

Houllier was also angered by Souness' claim that only someone who had played the game to a high standard could appreciate the intent of Neill's tackle.

"This comment was obviously directed at me - maybe I have not played at the highest level but I have managed at the top longer than Graeme Souness," said Houllier.

LMA steps into Neill row

"I understand Souness wants to defend his player but I don't understand his attitude.

"Maybe Neill is a good footballer but he behaves like a bad gentleman. I am not saying he is a coward but I thought the tackle itself was cowardly.

"Of course I understand these things happen. But what is unacceptable is their lack of grace and dignity.

"The apology should have been immediate."

This is a massive blow as he's been playing so well for us From Red All The Way Have your say on 606

Neill offered his sympathies to Carragher on Monday but denied there was any malicious intent in his challenge.

"It is very sad for Jamie and I feel deeply sorry for him," Neill told Blackburn's official website

"No-one likes to hear of any player being injured, especially for the long term, but there was absolutely no intent on my part - I simply went to play the ball.

"I am an aggressive and committed player but I play it fairly. I pass on my best wishes to Jamie for a speedy recovery and hope at some stage to be able to go over to see him and shake his hand."

Souness supported Neill's view of the incident.

"There is no issue between me and Liverpool," the former Reds player and manager said. "I have seen the tackle again on TV and it looked like a sending off but it wasn't malicious.

"There were 28 fully-committed professionals out there as you would expect. Unfortunately, the one reckless challenge of the afternoon resulted in a bad injury.

Baros blow for Reds

"I, along with everyone at the club, wish Jamie Carragher and Milan Baros the speediest possible recovery."

Carragher, meanwhile, is trying to remain upbeat despite contemplating a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

"I hope I am walking again before my 10-month-old son," he said.

"I am sick as I have had such a good record with injuries throughout my career and touch wood that will continue when I get over this.

"This will be a completely new experience for me. I don't know what I am going to do with myself for the six months, to be honest."

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