Steven Gerrard launched a two-footed horror tackle on an opponent only to meet the player and his wife on a plane afterwards, but the incident didn't change his rival's opinion
09:00, 16 Nov 2025
Steven Gerrard's two-footed challenge on Gary Naysmith was one of the worst tackles in Merseyside derby history
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Steven Gerrard's two-footed challenge on Gary Naysmith was one of the worst tackles in Merseyside derby history(Image: PA)
Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard was a monster of a player and he was never shy about putting in a monstrous challenge in the heat of battle.
The Champions League winning hero of Anfield had everything you could want in a Premier League midfielder, with his astonishing passing range and pinpoint crosses, exceptional shooting, stunning technical ability, set-piece wizardry, pace, power and strength, plus a 'never-say-die' will to win and great leadership qualities.
He was also a ferocious tackler, but sometimes the England legend's efforts definitely crossed the line. And the former Reds captain must be thankful that VAR wasn't around during the early years of his career. Especially during the Merseyside derby back in 2002, when he launched himself two footed into Everton foe Gary Naysmith.
The atrocious challenge late on in the 0-0 draw sparked a mass brawl at Anfield, with a host of players going into referee Graham Poll's book. While Gerrard escaped without a caution, he was later suspended for three games by the FA.
However, Naysmith, who turns 47 today, Sunday, November 15, has previously spoken about how he bears no ill-will towards Gerrard, despite what could have been a very awkward encounter when they met again soon afterwards - on a flight to Portugal.
Steven Gerrard was later banned for three games following the horror tackle on Gary Naysmith
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Steven Gerrard was later banned for three games following the horror tackle on Gary Naysmith(Image: Sky Sports)
Speaking to Open Goal back in 2019, the ex-Everton defender - now manager of Scottish League One side Stenhousemuir - explained what happened after the tackle - and how the flight made for an unexpected reunion.
When asked about the X-rated tackle, Naysmith said: "You know, that was unbelievable. Listen, it was a bad tackle and he got done for it afterwards, but he never hurt me or that.
"But it actually sparked a big brawl and the best thing about it, for me, was that all my team-mates and everybody went and stuck up for me - we had a bit of team spirit.
"Steven got done for three games and he apologised. Listen, these things happen in football and he's still the best player in England that I played against.
Liverpool's Danny Murphy is pushed by Everton's Wayne Rooney, watched by Reds stars Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, and Everton's David Wier, after Gerrard's horror tackle on Gary Naysmith
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Liverpool's Danny Murphy is pushed by Everton's Wayne Rooney, watched by Reds stars Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, and Everton's David Wier, after Gerrard's horror tackle on Gary Naysmith(Image: Reuters)
Gary Naysmith bore no grudges over the tackle
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Gary Naysmith bore no grudges over the tackle(Image: GETTY )
"The reason I say that is, there were other people maybe on an equal at Man United or Chelsea, but he was one of Liverpool's, in my opinion, very few world class players. So he was the driving force of that team.
"Even though we had a few run-ins, I can still be big enough to say he was the best player. That one where he hit me, me and my wife were flying out to Portugal.
"There was a spare seat, me and my wife. I wondered who we were waiting on, I looked up and it was him. He was due to sit in the seat next to me! We acknowledged each other and I think his mate swapped.
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"But these things happen in football. There's been a few times I've smashed somebody and had to go and apologise for it."