Liverpool stood down Craig Bellamy for their draw with Manchester City following the death of Wales coach Gary Speed.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish revealed that he took the decision to release Bellamy from his matchday squad.

"It was best for us to make the decision for Craig," Dalglish told Sky Sports 1.

"He was very, very close to Gary - he was almost a mentor, somebody he really admired and looked up to.

"Bellamy was a bit upset so there's no way that a game of football is more important than grieving, so that was the decision I made."