Jordan Henderson was sent for an early bath during Liverpool's 3-0 win over Watford this weekend.

The Liverpool captain was garnering plenty of criticism across Twitter, when a clumsy challenge on Etienne Capoue saw him dismissed for a second yellow card.

It was a disappointing detail in an otherwise impressive performance from the Reds with goals from Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Roberto Firmino securing the win.

And after the full-time whistle sounded at Vicarage Road, Jurgen Klopp was reluctant to criticise his captain and noted: “I think they were both yellow cards, but things like this happen.

"He made a tactical foul. With the second one, I didn't like too much because we wanted to change in that situation. Fabinho was ready and then he got it. Things like this happen. It's nothing serious."

Henderson dismissed vs Watford

For some Liverpool fans, though, the sending off was very serious indeed and especially with the first Merseyside derby of the season on the horizon.

In fact, a number of supporters were so displeased with Henderson's performance against Watford that they considered the suspension 'good news.'

Of course, the majority of Kopites came to the defence of their skipper but the criticism of Henderson was so prevalent that Liverpool Echo journalist Kristian Walsh just had to speak out on Sunday.

Journalist's defence of Henderson

Coming to the defence of Henderson, he spoke plenty of sense and had some words of wisdom for Liverpool fans before the impending Everton clash.

"The usual complaints persisted. His passes were too horizontal, his defensive attributes not solid enough," Walsh mused in his article.

"This despite making more passes than any other player before his red card, and sitting alongside Virgil van Dijk in terms of successful long balls.

"What cannot be denied was his red card at Vicarage Road was foolish, an unnecessary second yellow on Etienne Capoue in a game in which Liverpool were in firm command.

"But equally what should not be considered is the idea his suspension for next week's Merseyside derby is good news for Jurgen Klopp.

"The absence of a player Jurgen Klopp admires and relies upon is not a desirable outcome, and suggestions otherwise are ludicrous.

"Even those who oppose Henderson most fervently can surely see why taking one of Klopp's most trusted lieutenants - only five outfield players have featured more under the German since arriving at Anfield, and that would be even fewer if not for injuries - would be a blow to the Reds."

Not only that but Walsh used some interesting history to reinforce his argument.

Harking back to Henderson's red card against Manchester City in 2013-14, he writes: "Four years ago however, the true value of Henderson was only revealed during his suspension."

Of course, Liverpool fans will remember the closing games of that season with defeat to Chelsea and collapse against Crystal Palace cost them the Premier League title.

Walsh acknowledges the differences between the two situations, but the point still remains and Henderson being unavailable is nothing to celebrate.

Do you think Henderson should start for Liverpool? Have your say in the comments section down below.