John Barnes says Steven Gerrard 'understands' taking stick from Celtic fans - and reckons he will appreciate them supporting Liverpool's charity foundation.

The former Rangers manager netted a penalty in front of the away fans and had objects thrown in his direction as he celebrated in the corner.

The former Anfield captain pulled on his boots and the armband once more to lead a Legends team to a 2-0 victory on Saturday afternoon.

And after scoring a spot-kick past Artur Boruc, Gerrard gave it a bit back to the travelling supporters, only for missiles to launched towards him from the stand.

But Barnes reckons the ex-Ibrox boss wasn't bothered.

“Well, of course, Steven is a very, very strong character," said Barnes. "He handles things like that.

“He also understands and thanks the Celtic fans for coming down, and that’s what it’s about. You know you’re going to get stick – he was the Rangers manager!

“And you’ve got Gary McAllister, you’ve got Charlie Adam, so you know what’s going to happen. But they’ve come not only to support Celtic, but to support the cause.

“I think Steven was expecting it. In fact, on the bench Steven Gerrard is probably one of the coolest players ever, but I don’t think he’ll ever have been as nervous as when taking a penalty in front of the Celtic fans.”

Gerrard himself addressed the incident at full-time, insisting he 'had to milk it' with his celebration.

READ MORE: 'Have a bit back' - Steven Gerrard explains Celtic celebration

He told Liverpool TV: "It was a definite penalty. Martin Skrtl was excellent bursting through like he does, like a marauding midfielder - absolute stonewall penalty.

"There was only one taker from there, and that was me, unfortunately.

"In front of the Celtic fans, little bit of pressure and I waited for him to go."

"You have to milk it. I've had so much stick off of them so they can have a bit back. There you go."