A FORGOTTEN Premier League cult hero was sent off for Liverpool's Under-21 side today against Reading.
Jay Spearing, who made 30 appearances for the Reds' senior team between 2008 and 2013, now stars for their youth outfit.
He played once again today during their Premier League 2 clash with the Royals at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
However, with the score at 0-0 in the 89th minute, Spearing was sent off after it had been deemed he handled the ball on the line.
The hosts were subsequently awarded a penalty.
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But goalkeeper Fabian Mrozek, 20, spared Spearing's blushes by saving 20-year-old Jahmari Clarke's effort from 12 yards and allowed Liverpool to escape with a point.
Upon learning about Spearing's sending off, fans were in disbelief.
One fan said: "Should I laugh or cry ????. I don’t know."
A second said: "Jay Spearing getting sent off while playing for the academy is unexplainably funny to me."
A third said: "Hahaha that's amazing."
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Another said: "Gotta teach the kids life lessons ????."
On the game, U21 boss Barry Lewtas told club media: "It was a close game. It was really competitive and we had to battle until the end.
"I'm really pleased with the lads in how we stuck together throughout the match, and especially late on after going down to 10 men.
"Overall it was a really strong point for us and the camaraderie we showed and the way we dug in and kept together was hugely pleasing. We'll take the positives and move on to the next one now."
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The point leaves Liverpool sixth in the table, eight points behind league leaders Tottenham.
They are up against Man City U21's next.
Spearing's suspension means he will not feature again until the Liverpool legends match against Ajax on March 23.
In his career he most famously played for Bolton, Blackpool and Tranmere.
He returned to Liverpool in 2022 as a coach for the Under-18s, but was also registered as an over-aged player in the U23s.
Spearing's second pro debut for Liverpool came against Rochdale in 2022 for the Liverpool U21s.
Spearing is not the only Prem cult hero playing in the development leagues with Tom Huddlestone playing for Manchester United, for whom he scored a winner in a derby against Man City in February.