Trevor Sinclair has apologised for a tweet labelling Liverpool 'bin dippers' following Manchester City's win over Burnley at Turf Moor on Tuesday night.
City cut the gap to Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table to eight points with the 4-1 victory ahead of this evening's Merseyside derby.
Gabriel Jesus scored twice with a Rodri thunderbolt and Riyad Mahrez completing the rout over Sean Dyche's side.
But former City winger Sinclair caused controversy in the immediate aftermath of the game by taking aim at the Reds in a tweet which - according to some - trivialised poverty.
In reference to City chasing Liverpool down in the title race, Sinclair tweeted: "Bin dippers we’re coming for you."
He was hit with an immediate barrage of tweets criticising his post, but last night added: "So sensitive. Calm down you’re still eight points ahead."
However, after sleeping on the tweet, Sinclair apologised for the controversial post on Wednesday morning.
He wrote: "To any fan that was offended by what I wrote last night I apologise. It was a throw away line regarding closing the gap.
"It wasn’t my intention to offend anyone, especially from a social stance. I’m a working class lad and understand how it’s been taken. Sorry."
Liverpool can re-open the 11-point buffer at the top of the table with victory over Everton at Anfield this evening.
Defeat in the derby could spell the end for Everton boss Marco Silva following a wretched start to the season.
A loss could see the Toffees in the Premier League relegation zone by the end of the evening should results go against them.
