PLAYING HARD: Jonjo Shelvey (L) and Jonny Evans tackles during last night's controversial match at Anfield. Pix: Daily MailLONDON: Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes Manchester United defender Jonny Evans should have been sent off for his part in the challenge that saw his midfielder Jonjo Shelvey given his marching orders in their clash at Anfield yesterday.

Shelvey was dismissed in the 39th minute after a lunge on Evans but Rodgers believes the Northern Ireland defender was also culpable and should have been punished.

Robin van Persie scored from the penalty spot to secure a 2-1 victory for United after Rafael had cancelled out Steven Gerrard's opening goal.

Jonny Evans stays down after the tackles."If Jonjo Shelvey gets sent off than so should Jonny Evans," Rodgers told the BBC. "I am bitterly disappointed the referee only saw one side of that.

"I thought the best team lost. What you can't control is decisions by the referee. The players were outstanding."

Rodgers also provided a damning verdict on referee Mark Halsey's decision to award a penalty after Antonio Valencia was judged to have been tripped by defender Glen Johnson.

"It was never a penalty," Rodgers claimed. "It was just one of those days. The decisions just didn't go our way. I think we were harshly dealt with today. We'll soon turn these results into wins.

"I think performance wise everybody can see the growth. I'm pretty sure our luck will change and then we'll fly."

- mD