LIVERPOOL'S Steven Gerrard has been banned for three matches after being found guilty of violent conduct by the Football Association today.

A hearing at Wanderers' Reebok Stadium penalised the England midfielder for the lunge on Everton's Gary Naysmith in the Merseyside derby at Anfield on December 22.

Gerrard's suspension starts with immediate effect, although the Football Association did not fine him for the challenge.