Soccer-Villa defeat at Fulham spells end for Gerrard

Soccer Football - Premier League - Fulham v Aston Villa - Craven Cottage, London, Britain - October 20, 2022 Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard looks dejected after the match REUTERS/David Klein

LONDON (Reuters) -Aston Villa's 3-0 defeat at Fulham spelt the end of Steven Gerrard's reign as manager on Thursday as the former England skipper was sacked less than two hours after the final whistle.

Gerrard, who replaced Dean Smith last November, was verbally abused by Villa fans and taunted by the Fulham faithful at Craven Cottage as his side slumped to a chaotic defeat in which Douglas Luiz was sent off and Tyrone Mings scored an own goal.