Some moments in football defy logic. For Steven Gerrard, one of Liverpool's greatest-ever captains, March 22, 2015, was one of those days—a day that would go down in infamy.

Brought on as a second-half substitute with his side trailing 1-0 at Anfield, the hope was that Gerrard would inspire a comeback in what was his final match against Manchester United. Instead, he lasted just 38 seconds on the pitch.

Within moments of entering the fray, Gerrard was involved in a midfield tussle, throwing his weight around with typical intensity. But then came the moment that stunned everyone: in a flash of temper, he raked his studs down the back of Ander Herrera's leg—a tackle that had no place in any derby, no matter the stakes.

The referee didn't hesitate. Out came the red card. In and out in under a minute. An early shower for a Liverpool legend, but one that left his team in the lurch.

Down to 10 men, Liverpool fell 2-1 to their bitter rivals. After the match, a visibly remorseful Gerrard fronted up on Sky Sports: "I have to accept it. The decision was right. I let down my teammates and the supporters. I take responsibility. I don't know why I did it—it was probably just a reaction to the previous tackle."

It was a heartfelt apology, but the damage was done. The headlines wrote themselves: "Gerrard's Madness," "Captain Crumbles," "38 Seconds of Shame." Yet for those who knew him best, this was also part of the package. Steven Gerrard was never just a silky playmaker—he was a warrior, a man who wore his heart on his sleeve. Sometimes, that heart got the better of him.

That fiery edge—the grinta, as the Italians call it—was what made him so beloved. Even in defeat, even in disgrace, he was always all in.

As Liverpool prepare to face Manchester United again this Sunday (4:30pm kick-off, Matchday 35 of the Premier League), it's a reminder that the rivalry never loses its edge—and neither do the legends who play in it.