Baros says sorry for horror tackle

Liverpool striker Milan Baros has apologised for his horror tackle on Everton captain Alan Stubbs in the Merseyside derby on Sunday.

The Czech forward was sent off for the high, late tackle on Stubbs and is now suspended for three matches.

"I wanted to kick the ball away," the 23-year-old said. "I closed my eyes and ran for it and unluckily I hit his knee. I am sorry. My style of playing is based on aggressiveness.

"I appreciate it looked furious on television but I surely didn't want to knowingly foul him. I wanted to kick the ball away."

Baros' ban leaves Liverpool without a single senior striker. Fernando Morientes was injured in the 2-1 win over Everton, while Djibril Cisse, Florent Sinama-Pongolle, Harry Kewell and Neil Mellor are also sidelined.

"I saw worse fouls and they were only yellow cards, but this doesn't excuse me," added Baros.

"My challenge was surely a red card. I will be given a three-match ban, that's normal here. If we hadn't won, I would have felt guilty for that."