After a 21-6 home loss Sunday to the Oklahoma Sooners, the Texas Tech softball team heads to Waco to face the Baylor Bears in a three-game series starting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Getterman Stadium.

The Sooners opened the series with a 9-1 win. Propelled by five home runs, Oklahoma followed its opening win with a 13-5 six-inning win over Tech.

Techs 21-6 loss to the Sooners sealed the series sweep for Oklahoma. The Red Raiders trailed Oklahoma 10-6 at end of the fourth inning, but the Sooners ran in 11 runs at the top of the fifth to end their final game of the series against Tech in five innings.

Coach Gregory said the team had to take the positive out of its series versus the Sooners to move past the series loss.

I think that you have to look for the good or youre going to wallow in self-pity, Gregory said. If you dont do that, you miss opportunities and you dont teach kids the right things.

Baylor awaits Tech after winning its opening series of Big 12 play versus the Oklahoma State Cowgirls. The Bears took the first two games versus the Cowgirls 2-1 and 8-7, but dropped the last game of the series 1-0.

Oklahoma States one-run win against the Bears ended a 10-game winning streak for Baylor.

Techs matchup versus Baylor marks a special occasion for freshman outfielder Kaylee Strickland, as she faces her sister Jordan, a Baylor senior infielder, for the first and only time.

Its her senior year, so shes also trying to make it back to the World Series, Strickland said. If we can take that from her, then no mercy.

In Techs last six games versus Baylor, it has won only one game. Techs last win over the Bears came in 2013 at Waco as the Red Raiders ran in six runs versus Baylors four.

Continued here:

Red Raiders take trip to Waco

Farrell: When we compare it to a year ago, he was a second baseman on the Minor League side. He wasn't even in Major League camp. He went through a transition about six weeks into the Minor League season, which he got, I think, 30 games in the outfield -- we converted him to center field.

And to think about it at the time, compared to where he is now, how his jumps and reads in the outfield are much more direct and efficient, what he's done offensively with each time he was called to us in Boston, there was improvement, just in his offensive game. And that's continued on here in Spring Training. He really profiles as a dynamic leadoff type for us, not to mention the person that he is. But the player is certainly one that has grabbed a lot of attention here in camp.

MLB.com: You've been hearing since December that you don't have an ace. But you seem genuinely excited about the potential of your starting rotation. What do you like about it?

Farrell:The thing that stands out to me is we will send a proven Major League pitcher to the mound every single night, one with a track record -- and in multiple cases, guys that have made All-Star teams at the Major League level.

TB@BOS: Buchholz on being the Opening Day starter

3/29/15: Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz showcases his excitement to be the Opening Day starter

We know that there are a couple of bounceback situations -- Justin Masterson, for one; Clay Buchholz, coming back from some injuries from 2013 that kind of plagued him somewhat in 2014. There are All-Star-caliber arms there. We've got a couple of guys that are coming over from the National League on a full-time basis in Wade Miley and Joe Kelly.

I like the overall evenness and depth to the rotation. Innings will be the biggest thing. If we can get four guys that are going to give us close to 200 innings pitched throughout the course of the year, I think that really sets us up to have a solid rotation.

MLB.com: How important is it to get Koji Uehara right from a health standpoint?

Excerpt from:

Farrell thinks Red Sox have ingredients for rebound

By Ken Warren Ottawa Citizen

DETROIT Revenge is best served with a cold move in the shootout.

At least thats the way it must have felt for Ottawa Senators winger Mark Stone.

After three periods of frustration, including seven shots on goal against Detroit Red Wings goaltender Petr Mrazek, Stone finally found the answer when it counted most.

Stone scored the winning goal in the Senators 2-1 shootout win over the Red Wings, ending a three-game losing streak and keeping alive their hopes of earning a playoff berth.

The victory was vital, considering that Boston defeated the Florida Panthers 3-2 on Tuesday, a victory which all but eliminates the Panthers from playoff contention. The Bruins remain three points ahead of the Senators in the battle for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. The Bruins have five games remaining, the Senators have six.

It was more about frustration, said Stone of his efforts against Mrazek, the former Ottawa 67s and Czech world junior goaltender. I remember back in the world junior championships in 2012, I couldnt get one by this guy, so it felt good to finally break through, said Stone, who played for Canada against Mrazeks Czech squad.

The Senators were staring at a five-point deficit and shaking their heads at Mrazeks phenomenal play until Clarke MacArthur finally solved the Red Wings goaltender to tie the game 1-1 with 4:02 remaining in regulation.

The victory also allowed Senators goaltender Andrew Hammond to improve his record to 15-1-1 in the NHL.

The day began with the Red Wings in the midst of a full-blown goaltending controversy, with Mrazek getting the nod over veteran Jimmy Howard.

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Senators Stone Red Wings in shootout victory

JOHN ANTHONY

Last updatedTue Mar 31 05:15:59 UTC 2015

Lawrence Smith

Pineapple Heads chief executive and founder Megan Sanders gives her son Jimmy D'Audney, 4, a good head scrub.

A solo mother is hoping to raise at least $189,000 through crowdfunding to grow her childrens' hair and bath products business, Pineapple Heads.

Megan Sanders, 43, a former advertising executive launched Pineapple Heads in 2011 after identifying an opportunity in the market for all natural, New Zealand-made children's hair and bath products.

"I was looking for something natural that was fun," Sanders said.

Lawrence Smith

A crowd funding campaign is underway to raise up to $389,000 for Pineapple Heads.

The Pineapple Heads range is for children aged 10 months to 10 years and includes a pineapple shampoo, lemon balm conditioner, lime hair gel and red apple and nectarine bubble bath liquid, each with its own character.

Continued here:

Pineapple Heads CEO Megan Sanders on capital raising mission

Boners and Red heads (Horn) "Movie Drunks"
Come see as the Elliot tried to figure out what movie he is seeing Twitter and Instaham Zac: @raygunz23 Elliot: @Monkeybrain75 Burntcoffee: https://twitter.com/BurntxCoffee.

By: Burnt Coffee

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Boners and Red heads (Horn) "Movie Drunks" - Video

SINGAPORE: The red box used by the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew to store his working documents might be displayed publicly by the National Heritage Board, said Education Minister Heng Swee Keat on Monday (Mar 30).

Speaking at Changkat Primary School to announce changes to the Junior Sports Academy Programme, Mr Heng added that the red box was so much of Mr Lees life and was a symbol of Mr Lees dedication to Singapore.

Personally, I think we should let fellow Singaporeans have a view of this box and how much it is a part of Mr Lees life and Singapores history, he said at the event.

Mr Heng was Mr Lees former principal private secretary and had last week written a Facebook post about how the late founding prime minister used the red box extensively to store important policy documents .

Asked about possible changes to the SG50 and National Day celebrations later in the year in the wake of Mr Lees death, Mr Heng who heads the SG50 steering committee, Mr Heng said that SG50 is about charting Singapores future among fellow Singaporeans.

However, in the coming days, he will be discussing with committee members on whether there is a need to modify certain aspects of the activities that have been lined up, adding that he looked forward to ideas from Singaporeans too.

Asked whether the national education syllabus will include more content on Mr Lee, Mr Heng said parents have been sharing with their children on Mr Lee and he will leave it to the Ministry of Educations (MOE) professionals to decide on any necessary changes.

Mr Heng also shared that a fellow education minister in Asia called this morning to send his condolences and wanted to come and study Singapores education system - a testament to Mr Lees legacy.

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Mr Lee Kuan Yews red box might go on public display: Heng Swee Keat

Red Heads Don #39;t Care!
READ MEEEEE Please watch in HD1080..... Subscribe: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=Shlinda1 The wig i received is one of RPGShow new black...

By: shlinda1

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Red Heads Don't Care! - Video

London's top-flight fell for the fourth day in a row as disappointing economic data from China dragged on commodity stocks though oil prices stabilised.

The FTSE 100 Index was 2.4% lower on the week including the impact of a broad sell-off in Thursday's session as a military flare-up in the Middle East pushed the price of a barrel of Brent crude towards 60 US dollars.

The index was 40.3 points lower at 6855 today as the oil price edged down to around 58 US dollars but overnight figures from China showed a sharp decline in industrial profits.

It meant the FTSE registered another day of losses as the buoyant mood which saw it top the 7,000 landmark last week - and achieve further record highs at the start of this one - ebbed away.

On currency markets, the pound was bolstered by remarks from Bank of England governor Mark Carney that he expected the next move in interest rates to be up.

It echoed similar comments from a series of Bank policy makers this week offering reassurance over fears about the potential negative consequences of low inflation after figures showed it fell to zero in February.

Sterling rose against the dollar at just under 1.49, but was flat against the euro at 1.36.

Germany's Dax and France's Cac 40 finished the week with a positive session after a tough week.

In London, data from China, adding to concerns about a slowdown in the world's second biggest economy, weighed on commodity stocks.

Anglo American led the top-flight fallers as it dropped 3%, or 32.5p to 1044p, while Randgold Resources was not far behind, off 146p at 4756p. Glencore fell 9.05p at 288.15p with Rio Tinto down 67.5p to 2809.5p.

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FTSE heads for fourth day in red

Known for her standout style both on-screen and off, Christina Hendricks wowed again at the Black & Red Ball-themed Mad Men finale celebration on Wednesday. Her co-stars January Jones and Jon Hamm, who recently caught public attention with his admission that he completed 30 days in rehab, joined the actress for the star-studded affair held at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles.

The buxom beauty made a dramatic appearance on the red carpet wearing an oversized, evergreen gown that featured a delicate butterfly print around the hem and a detachable skirt, transforming it into a sleek fishtail dress. The 39-year-old, who plays Joan Holloway on the hit AMC TV show, added a bit of sparkle to her look with diamond jewelry and a pop of color with red lipstick.

A more demure January opted for a red and black color-blocked dress with sequins and sheer sleeves. The 37-year-old kept it simple by wearing her hair pulled back and no jewelry.

Another star to catch the attention of many was Jon Hamm, who gave quotes to Australian magazine TV Week about how it had been a difficult 24 hours for him since going public with his secret rehab stint. Ive been very fortunate that throughout the most recent 24-hour period. Ive had a lot of family and friends support me," the 44-year-old said. Life throws a lot at you sometimes and you have to deal with it as much as you can."

Despite his recent troubles, the actor who plays the lead role of Don Draper, looked happy and handsome in a black tuxedo and cream dinner jacket with a black bowtie.

The themed event encouraged guests to wear outfits inspired by the period of the show and even the invitations featured pocket squares for men and scarves for women designed by the series designer Janie Bryant. The souvenirs were in line with the theme that included martini glasses and fedoras.

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Christina is belle of the ball at 'Mad Men' celebration

When she shows up, all eyes are upon her. Shes got style. Shes got class. Shes got a nickname. Oldie Goldie turns heads wherever she goes.

George Messingers gold-colored 1932 Ford Roadster will be one of many four-wheeled stars expected to roll the runway at the first ever Red Oak United Methodist Church Car Show next month. Organized by Messinger and other car enthusiasts, Red Oak UMCs car show is part community outreach and part fund raising for the Covington church, which among its other missions, hosts a food pantry for people in need.

Ive been doing this all my life and Ill be 72 next month, Messinger said of his passion for restoring and showing old cars. My wife and I work on some cars together and I get help from some young people ... Car shows are getting real popular. The young people who get involved in this just thrill me to death. Im working with a young fellow just out of school right now who is learning how to do this.

Red Oak UMCs car show is set for Saturday, April 11, on the church grounds at 15105 Ga. Highway 36 in Covington. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and continues through 1 p.m. The show begins at 10 a.m. with trophies awarded at 3 p.m. Trophies will be presented for all classes and include the extra honors of Kids Choice and Pastors Choice.

Registration is $20 now, or $25 on the day of the show. If the show gets rained out, it will be rescheduled for April 18.

There is no charge for those attending the car show, which will also feature food, 1950s music and a section of booths where items will be for sale.

Were going to have vendors, Messinger said. Theres a group of women in Covington and they got together. Theyre all in different little niche businesses, like Mary Kay; one paints portraits and one sells jewelry. Theyre going to set up their booths around the perimeter and outside and theyre going to do their thing.

Additional vendors are invited to inquire about joining the fun, though there is no need for additional food vendors. Red Oak UMC will have hot dogs, popcorn, cakes, cookies, desserts and what Messinger calls the famous Red Oak barbecue and stew.

For more information on becoming a vendor or to preregister for the car show, call 770-786-5528 or 704-400-1686.

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Red Oak UMC Car Show features autos, music, food, jewelry, paintings

IT will be magic, music and fun for all the family when Red Riding Hood heads to Llanelli next month.

Magic Light Productions will be bringing the traditional tale to Llanelli on Saturday, April 4.

The cast, including husband and wife team Jayne and Stuart Loughland, will be appearing on the Ffwrnes stage for the modern adaptation.

The couple decided to hit the road with their magic and illusions after working with national favourites the Chuckle Brothers for 13 years.

The story sees Granny Hood (Stuart Loughland), who lives in a cottage in the woods, visit Red Riding Hood (Libby Edwards) and unknowingly delivers her a Magic Red Cloak created by the Good Fairy of the forest.

Meanwhile, in another part of the wood, a suave and sophisticated wolf is looking for something appetising to eat.

There is only one person who can save the day Little Red Riding Hood, but she is not alone.

She is accompanied on her adventure by her best friends Muddles (Steve Bloor) and Russell Sprout.

Jayne, who will play Fairy Blossom, said: "We are very much looking forward to coming to Llanelli.

"We are based in north Wales and a lot of our shows will be in theatres across Wales.

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Red Riding Hood heads to Ffwrnes, Llanelli

By Jeff Pini

Boston.com Staff | 03.25.15 | 7:59 PM

The next Bo Jackson? Probably not, but Brandon Magee may try to make it in MLB after previously suiting up in the NFL.

The linebacker and outfielder out of Arizona State was waived by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Wednesday, but wasted no time in reporting to Fort Myers to take part in Red Sox spring training, Magee told the Tampa Bay Times on Wednesday.

Magee, played both football and baseball in college, appearing in 27 baseball games and hitting .103. He was drafted three times by MLB teams: the Tampa Bay Rays in 2008, the Oakland As in 2011, and the Red Sox in 2012. After the Sox took him in the 23rd round of the 2012 draft, Magee signed a multi-year deal with the team, but has yet to make his pro debut. He worked out with the Red Sox during spring training in 2014 before signing with the Bucs during the summer.

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Pursuing a career in the NFL, Magee went undrafted in 2013, but signed as a free agent with the Dallas Cowboys. He notched 16 tackles in the preseason and was released before the start of the 2013 season.

Magee was claimed by the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 1, 2013 and saw time in eight games that season, recording five tackles. He was then waived by the Browns after the season and later joined the Bucs, where he spent the 2014 season playing mostly on special teams and registering seven tackles.

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After Being Cut by Buccaneers, Brandon Magee Heads to Red Sox Camp

Joe Armao/Fairfax Australia

NEEDING SPEED: Daniel Ricciardo taking his Red Bull out for a spin before the Australian GP in Melbourne.

Renault's Formula One boss says Daniel Ricciardo isn't likely to get a race-winning engine this season.

The French manufacturer supplies power units to Red Bull Racing and sister outfit Toro Rosso, but have struggled since the move to V6 turbo hybrids in 2014.

Drivers from both teams complained of poor driveability over the Australian Grand Prix weekend in Melbourne, with two cars - including Ricciardo's - suffering engine failure.

Renault says it has worked hard in the off-season to try narrow the gap to last year's runaway championship winners Mercedes, but to no avail.

"A race-winning engine on merit is not something that is going to happen this year, we know that," Cyril Abiteboul, who heads up Renault Sport's F1 programme, told Autosport.

"But to win races, it is not just the engine but also the car and the drivers."

In another interview with French magazine AUTOhebdo, Abiteboul reportedly accused Red Bull's technical boss Adrian Newey of lying by blaming the RB11's problems on the power unit.

He said there were also issues with the car's chassis.

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Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo unlikely to get race-winning engine this season, says Renault boss

It was mixed feelings for the cast of Mad Men on Sunday night as the handsome bunch came out to celebrate the screening of their final season. January Jones, John Slattery, Jon Hamm , Elisabeth Moss and Christina Hendricks all looked stunning as they excitedly posed for photos together at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, although it sadly marked one of their final appearances as a group.

Christina Hendricks turned heads as always, showing off her curves in a shimmering red sequined off-the-shoulder dress reminiscent of cartoon character Jessica Rabbit. She paired the outfit with patent leather heels and a blue clutch. The 39-year-old debuted a new look showing off her strawberry blonde locks instead of her typical deep red hue. The actress arrived with actor husband Geoffrey Arend, who wore a dark grey suit and patterned light blue tie.

Christina was not the only star from the hit AMC drama to dazzle on the red carpet. January Jones rocked a navy strapless midi-dress with orange floral detailing and paired it with orange heels. The 37-year-old kept her blonde hair slicked back into a chic ponytail and added another pop of color with bright red lipstick.

Meanwhile, Elisabeth Moss chose a classic black and white ensemble a low-cut dress and red suede pumps. And although she's not part of the cast, model Coco Rochacame out to the event wearing a tight black sleeveless dress that showed off her best accessory: her baby bump! The 26-year-old showed off her imitation of main character Don Draper to her over 900,000 followers on Instagram.

One leading lady that was missing from the event was Jessica Par, who welcomed her first child with husband John Kastner on March 21. The Canadian actress announced the arrival via her Instagram account.

But it wasn't just the women who dazzled on the red carpet. Jon Hamm looked handsome in a black suit with matching patent leather shoes, a crisp white shirt and dark blue tie. His bearded look was a certainly the opposite of how his character Don Draper would have shown up to an event. John Slattery, on the other hand, looked like a modern day version of his character Roger Sterling wearing a black suit, grey shirt and patent leather dress shoes.

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'Mad Men' stars dazzle on red carpet

Lego Marvel Super Heroes: Red Heads - Part 11 - Megafooboy
Hawkguy and Blech Spider go on their quest to retrieve the Noah #39;s Ark reactor from the evil Crimson Head. Also featuring the Homo Sapien Fire.

By: PTOOES - Daily Let #39;s Plays!

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Lego Marvel Super Heroes: Red Heads - Part 11 - Megafooboy - Video

It was mixed feelings for the cast of Mad Men on Sunday night as the handsome bunch came out to celebrate the screening of their final season. January Jones, John Slattery, Jon Hamm , Elisabeth Moss and Christina Hendricks all looked stunning as they excitedly posed for photos together at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, although it sadly marked one of their final appearances as a group.

Christina Hendricks turned heads as always, showing off her curves in a shimmering red sequined off-the-shoulder dress reminiscent of cartoon character Jessica Rabbit. She paired the outfit with patent leather heels and a blue clutch. The 39-year-old debuted a new look showing off her strawberry blonde locks instead of her typical deep red hue. The actress arrived with actor husband Geoffrey Arend, who wore a dark grey suit and patterned light blue tie.

Christina was not the only star from the hit AMC drama to dazzle on the red carpet. January Jones rocked a navy strapless midi-dress with orange floral detailing and paired it with orange heels. The 37-year-old kept her blonde hair slicked back into a chic ponytail and added another pop of color with bright red lipstick.

Meanwhile, Elisabeth Moss chose a classic black and white ensemble a low-cut dress and red suede pumps. And although she's not part of the cast, model Coco Rochacame out to the event wearing a tight black sleeveless dress that showed off her best accessory: her baby bump! The 26-year-old showed off her imitation of main character Don Draper to her over 900,000 followers on Instagram.

One leading lady that was missing from the event was Jessica Par, who welcomed her first child with husband John Kastner on March 21. The Canadian actress announced the arrival via her Instagram account.

But it wasn't just the women who dazzled on the red carpet. Jon Hamm looked handsome in a black suit with matching patent leather shoes, a crisp white shirt and dark blue tie. His bearded look was a certainly the opposite of how his character Don Draper would have shown up to an event. John Slattery, on the other hand, looked like a modern day version of his character Roger Sterling wearing a black suit, grey shirt and patent leather dress shoes.

Continue reading here:

'Mad Men' stars dazzle on red carpet for final season

Updated MAR 22, 2015 12:29p ET

Steven Gerrard has apologized for his dramatic red card at Anfield, saying he had let his "team-mates, manager and supporters down".

The Liverpool captain lasted 38 seconds of his side's clash with bitter rivals Manchester United - his last against the Red Devils before he heads to Major League Soccer - as he saw red for a stamp on Ander Herrera.

It meant an immediate return to the dressing rooms for the half-time substitute and he had no excuses afterwards.

Speaking to Sky Sports in the immediate aftermath of a game his side lost 2-1, Gerrard said: "I need to accept it, the decision was right, I have let my team-mates and manager down today, even more importantly I let all the supporters down and I take full responsibility for my action.

"I tried to jump his tackle, I saw his studs and I reacted wrong. I've been in the game long enough to know when you do something like that, especially at the timing of the game, at half-time with 45 to play, a great opportunity to get back in the game, I take full responsibility for it."

Asked what caused his anger to boil over, Gerrard added: "I don't know. Probably, just the reaction to the initial tackle, I don't think I should say too much more on it, I came to speak to apologize to everyone in the dressing room, all the supporters, all the players because I take full responsibility for today's result."

Gerrard's former Liverpool team-mate Jamie Carragher described the red card as a "moment of madness" borne out of frustration.

He said on Sky Sports One: "There's no doubt that not playing at Swansea (in Liverpool's last game) and then not playing this game would be a frustration.

"He's been at Liverpool 17, 18 years, he's always been the man, the captain, there's never been a case where he's been out of the team and as soon as he's fit he goes straight back in the team.

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Gerrard apologizes after his dramatic red card costs Liverpool

A joint fundraising effort by the Australian Red Cross and the ABC has raised more than $2 million for Vanuatu's Cyclone Pam relief appeal.

Since Friday, all ABC radio, television, and online networks encouraged Australians to donate to the Red Cross or their preferred charity supporting those affected by the category five storm.

Red Cross chief executive officer Robert Tickner said the appeal had raised a total of $4.2 million, with almost half coming since the ABC's appeal.

"Funds raised through this effort means that not only can we help right now, but into the future as people rebuild their lives," he said.

"Funds raised with the ABC's help provide not only immediate relief like tarpaulins and toolkits to help people put a roof over their heads but also long-term support so that they can recover and rebuild, with stronger homes.

"It also means that we can provide safe drinking water to stave off diseases, and psychological support to traumatised families."

The Red Cross was the first organisation to begin relief distributions in some of the worst-affected areas, and conducted rapid assessments across 15 islands.

An estimated 166,000 people were affected by Cyclone Pam, up to 90 per cent of homes were damaged and 65,000 people were left in desperate need for shelter.

ABC managing director Mark Scott said the amount raised was a great achievement considering it was only last Tuesday that the ABC executive decided to plan the appeal.

"I am delighted at how quickly and effectively our programming and production teams came together to deliver our #withVanuatu day on Friday," he said.

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Cyclone Pam: ABC, Red Cross Vanuatu fundraising campaign collects more than $2 million

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard apologised for letting down team-mates, manager Brendan Rodgers and fans with a needless moment of madness which saw him sent off after just 43 seconds in the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United.

The midfielder accepted full responsibility for the defeat after being dismissed for stamping on Ander Herrera less than a minute after coming on for the start of the second half.

Liverpool were already trailing 1-0 thanks to Juan Mata's opener and the Spain international added a second before the Reds, playing better with 10 men, pulled one back through Daniel Sturridge.

Rodgers refused to criticise Gerrard, who departs for Los Angeles Galaxy this summer, and praised him for making a fulsome apology.

"I need to accept it, the decision was right. I have let my team-mates and manager down today, even more importantly I let all the supporters down and I take full responsibility for my action," Gerrard told Sky Sports.

"I tried to jump his tackle, I saw his studs and I reacted wrong. I've been in the game long enough to know when you do something like that, especially at the timing of the game, at half-time with 45 to play, a great opportunity to get back in the game. I take full responsibility for it."

Asked what caused his anger to boil over, the former England international added: "I don't know. Probably just the reaction to the initial tackle. I don't think I should say too much more on it. I came to speak to apologise to everyone in the dressing room, all the supporters, all the players because I take full responsibility for today's result."

Rodgers had kept Gerrard on the bench for his final encounter against United but hoped for a different kind of influence on the game having made the change at the interval.

"It was purely wanting to make an impact. He has made his apologies," said the manager.

"He is a highly competitive player. He made a great challenge when he came on (against Mata), probably our first challenge of the game.

Originally posted here:

Gerrard says sorry for red card

LIVERPOOL, England: There was a red card, a cloud of red mist and plenty of crimson faces, but it was ultimately one cool Dutch head that proved the difference in Manchester United's 2-1 win over Liverpool on Sunday.

Not only did Louis van Gaal comfortably win the tactical battle with Liverpool's Brendan Rodgers, but the iron-willed United coach ensured his players kept their heads as Liverpool lost theirs.

The match will be remembered for Steven Gerrard's 38-second cameo that ended abruptly when he was sent off for a stamp on Ander Herrera as well as Juan Mata's match-winning double strike.

Yet the plaudits belong equally with Van Gaal for out-thinking his Liverpool counterpart.

While all the pre-match debate centred on Rodgers' 3-4-3 formation, a perceived cure-all that had healed Liverpool's ills from the first half of the season, it was arch-pragmatist Van Gaal who threw all the tactical punches on the day.

United may have scored two goals fewer than they did in the first half against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend but the opening 45 minutes at Anfield was arguably the visitors' best of the campaign.

For all the gripes Van Gaal has had to face about how far short his United side have fallen from the club's quasi-mythical traditions of expansive football, his team's performance on Sunday was not far short of perfect.

This was not the efficient but ugly early-season United but a performance crafted from possession football, with Liverpool chasing shadows for extensive periods and Mata pouncing on openings to score with two expert finishes.

Mata has had to endure his own fair share of criticism since his move from Chelsea but he proved an unfathomable puzzle for Liverpool's defence throughout the encounter.

The Spaniard gave United the lead after 14 minutes, exposing a chasm of space between centre back Mamadou Sakho and wingback Alberto Moreno to finish sharply.

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Analysis - Van Gaal's tactical wits edge battle of the bosses