Houllier 'coward' blast at Neill

Gerard Houllier branded Blackburn defender Lucas Neill 'a coward ' after Jamie Carragher was ruled out for six months with a broken leg.

The worst fears of Liverpool's England defender Carragher were confirmed after X-rays showed that a lunging high challenge by Neill during Saturday's bad-tempered clash at Ewood Park had left him with a fractured right leg.

The Blackburn right back was shown a straight red card and will serve an automatic three-match ban. But he has escaped lightly, according to Liverpool manager Houllier, who condemned the Australia defender's tackle. He said: 'I said after the game it was a tackle that could have resulted in a broken leg. Sadly that's what has happened.

'To me, it was a coward's challenge, and the player's reaction was appalling. He was complaining about being sent off as he left the pitch. I'm gutted for

Jamie. He won't be able to play for six months, but Neill will be back after three games.'

Houllier was disappointed with Blackburn boss Graeme Souness's response to Neill's third dismissal of his Ewood Park career. Souness admitted the red card was justified but failed to criticise Neill or express concern over Carragher's condition.

Liverpool also lost striker Milan Baros with a broken ankle until the New Year following an innocuous challenge by former Anfield defender Markus Babbel.