Kevin Nolan has backed Steven Gerrard’s claim that a stamp on the Bolton midfielder was accidental.
Bolton manager Sam Allardyce suggested that the Liverpool midfielder deliberately stamped on Nolan in the 2-2 draw at the Reebok Stadium on Monday.
However, Nolan said: “I do not think it was intentional.”
“I have seen the incident and it was just one of those things.
“I was disappointed and wanted to have a look at it but I didn’t see much wrong with it.
“I would not want anything to happen to him now because it was an accident.”
Gerrard denied any intent, claiming: “It was a complete accident. I am mates with Kevin Nolan so why would I ever try to deliberately hurt him?”
Gerrard said he spoke to Nolan after the game and was disappointed with Allardyce’s reaction.
He said: “I’m very surprised he is trying to make an issue of it.
“We spoke at the end of the match. I wished him all the best for the rest of the season and the tackle wasn’t even mentioned.”
But Allardyce claimed Gerrard should have been sent off along with Mohammed Sissoko, who was involved in a similar incident with El-Hadji Diouf.
“It is serious foul play. The incidents are plain, clear and obvious,” said the Bolton manager.
“It’s difficult, I know, for referees in a split second but it couldn’t be anything less than intentional and that is sad.”
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