Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa has stated that Frank Lampard’s sending-off was justified as his tackle was reckless.

Referee Mike Riley admitted his mistake after the game, paving the way for Lampard to have his straight red card and subsequent suspension rescinded.

However, Arbeloa is adamant that Riley was correct in sending the England international off, explaining that both players could have been seriously hurt had it not been for the quick reflexes of team-mate Xabi Alonso.

"For me, the sending-off of Lampard was justified," Arbeloa said in an interview. "He made a very hard tackle in the centre of the field and could have hurt Xabi. He was lucky Xabi jumped or it could have been a lot more serious."

The general consensus regarding the matter is that Lampard was dealt the short end of the stick by Riley, with the sending-off having serious consequences in the Blues' title hopes.