WATCH: Barkley horror tackle sparks anger from fans and former players on social media

Ross Barkley’s ill-timed lunge on Jordan Henderson in last night’s Merseyside derby has prompted a furious reaction on social media, with many fans and former players condemning the Everton midfielder for the horror incident.

With the feisty fixture evenly-poised at 0-0 after 68 minutes, Barkley’s late tackle caught opposite number and England teammate Jordan Henderson on the ankle.

A mass brawl ensued, with the Liverpool skipper lucky to escape serious injury after being on the receiving end of the excessive contact.

Barkley escaped with a booking for the tackle, and Liverpool eventually went on to record a 1-0 victory over their city neighbours thanks to Sadio Mane’s 95^th minute strike.

Speaking after the game, Reds manager Jurgen Klopp told BBC Sport: “I saw it one time. Everything is clear. If you saw it say how it was.

“Maybe Ross was really lucky and Hendo was really lucky.”

Here’s the best of what Twitter had to offer following the altercation.

The Merseyside Derby is always a scruff… But Klopp’s Liverpool came out on top with a winner at the death ? ? pic.twitter.com/Sp4BUKibvM

— Freebets.co.uk (@freebetscouk) December 19, 2016

Absolute horror tackle by Ross Barkley on Jordan Henderson. Should he have been sent off for this? #EVELIV https://t.co/E8S0qBm91z

— Sportsbet.io (@sportsbet_io) December 19, 2016

Sky Sports pundit and former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher wasn’t best pleased with the tackle…

Jamie Carragher: "Ross Barkley should’ve been sent off, possibly twice. It’s a red card tackle on Jordan." pic.twitter.com/dryFqjT76d

— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) December 19, 2016

Others took a more light-hearted approach

Another angle of that Ross Barkley tackle tonight...https://t.co/YBW6tsnKgz

— BigSport (@BigSportGB) December 19, 2016

But some were reduced to raw anger as well…

Barkley won't be punished for it, but disgusting performance by him. Should have a match ban at the very least for that tackle

— LFC Fans Corner (@LFCFansCorner) December 19, 2016

That tackle was that bad from Barkley,
Even Rojo will be cringing at that

— @ManUtd_HQ (@ManUtd_HQ) December 19, 2016

Barkley with the worst tackle in the history of football.. what was that..? ?????

— StewyThePrince (@Stewy_Gryff) December 19, 2016