It wasn’t just the fans who gave Raheem Sterling a hostile welcome on his return to Anfield last night.
The England winger was making his first return to Liverpool since distastefully forcing through a move to Manchester City last summer, and he was greeted with this thumping tackle from Jon Flanagan.
SEE MORE: Liverpool players ratings v Man City: Flanagan hailed as defensive saviour
Look out for the hilarious reaction of Reds captain Jordan Henderson, who is clearly delighted to see Flanagan go through a player who left Merseyside on a very sour note, after just 25 seconds!
Best moment from last night, Henderson reaction to Flanno’s tackle on Sterling https://t.co/2ZMld3Ukod
— Mersey Reds (@MerseyReds1) March 3, 2016
It was a thoroughly miserable night for Sterling, who was substituted at half time as his City side were beaten 3-0. He may have left Merseyside with a bruised ego as well as a bruised body!
This is exactly the type of tackle which makes Flanagan such a favourite with the Kop, and Reds manager Jurgen Klopp has admitted that the defender might have been looking to leave his mark on Sterling.
“I’m not sure they were best friends when he was here!” Klopp joked to BT Sport at full time.
SEE ALSO:
Charlie Adam slams Liverpool pair for bottling penalties in Capital One Cup final
Adam Lallana goal video v Man City: England man strikes for Liverpool but Joe Hart left red-faced
James Milner goal video v Man City: Liverpool midfielder piles misery on former club at Anfield