Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor has criticised Gerard Houllier for his outspoken views on Lucas Neill's clash with Jamie Carragher.
Liverpool defender Carragher suffered a broken leg following a wild lunge by Blackburn's Neill on Saturday, prompting a furious reaction from Reds boss Houllier. The Frenchman labelled it a "coward's challenge" and called for Neill to be given more than just the three-match ban he is set to receive for his sending off.
However, Taylor hit back by telling Sky Sports News: "I know Lucas Neill very well and the last thing I would call him is a coward.
"I know Jamie Carragher as well and he's a brilliant lad - this is just something that happens. "It was perhaps reckless but I can't believe Lucas meant to injure him, I can't believe any of our members would want to injure another one to that extent," he said.
"I've a lot of respect for Gerard Houllier but I think it would have been to his credit not to accuse one of our members in such terms," Taylor added.