I thought it was a definite penalty and sending off. Gerrard did the right thing in telling the ref to send him off. Anyone would have done the same.
I can't hack Benitez anymore though, his excuse for taking Gerrard off was piss funny. Cant remember his exact words but it was something about brain and heart. Talking absolute bollox as always. Why did he take him off when he was just starting to play well? Sissoko was having a nightmare.