Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard appeared to back protesting fans against the club's American owners.

The News of the World says Gerrard stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Liverpool fans protesting against the regime of their hated American owners.

More than 2,000 fans staged a sit-in on the Kop after the 2-2 draw with Sunderland.

And skipper Gerrard, who scored to rescue a point, clapped them as he came back out to warm down on the pitch.

Furious fans hung banners and flags on the Kop and chanted against Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

And Gerrard's move brought applause from those who had backed calls by the Spirit of Shankly and Kop Faithful for a visible protest at the club's financial plight.