When Steven Gerrard Brutally Hit Out At Chelsea Fans After Standing Ovation At Stamford Bridge In 2015

Steven Gerrard's Premier League career was filled with stunning goals, sublime assists, and an array of Man of the Match performances that few Liverpool fans will forget in a hurry.

However, for all of his greatness down the years, one mistake looms large over his footballing legacy, a mistake that some rival fans still sing about to this very day.

The legendary former midfielder's slip to allow Chelsea's Demba Ba to score in 2014 is often viewed as the moment that the ever-illusive Premier League title quite literally slipped from his - and Liverpool's - grasp.

Brenden Rodgers' side would go on to lose the title to Manchester City that season, after previously looking in complete control.

One year on from his darkest day at Anfield, Gerrard would make his final trip to Stamford Bridge as a player.

With the former England captain set to join LA Galaxy the following summer, this was to be one of his final ever games in the red of Liverpool.

After being substituted in the second half, he was rather poignantly clapped off by both Liverpool and Chelsea fans, seemingly in acknowledgement of his fine legacy as a player - and of his service to his hometown club.

And yet, while it was a sincere mark of respect from the Blues fans in isolation, in the context of the full game, it looked a lot different.

As Gerrard himself points out, the minute of applause came after an hour of relentless verbal abuse from the home fans.

Songs were being sung that made reference to his 2014 slip, while some in the crowd even made signs saying 'slip Hazard'.

It was a bitter pill to swallow for Gerrard, who didn't hold back when he was quizzed about his send-off after the game.

"I was more happy with the ovation from the Liverpool fans," Gerrard bluntly told Sky Sports.

"Chelsea fans have had respect for a couple of seconds today but have slaughtered me all game.

"I'm not going to get drawn into wishing Chelsea fans well. It was nice of them to turn up for once today."

The game ended 1-1, Gerrard being Liverpool's goalscorer after a second-half header. Seven years on, the 41-year-old now has the opportunity to head back to Stamford Bridge as Aston Villa manager.

Whatever the outcome, we suspect the former Rangers boss won't be getting such a warm send-off this time around - not that he'd want one anyhow.

Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports/PA

Topics: Liverpool, Chelsea, Football, Premier League, England, Steven Gerrard