After almost 17 years of service, 709 appearances, 185 goals and 10 trophies, the 34-year-old midfielder had hoped to sign off on a winning note before joining the Los Angeles Galaxy in July.

But although Adam Lallana put Liverpool ahead, goals from Jason Puncheon and substitutes Wilfried Zaha and Glenn Murray ruined the script as Palace claimed a first league win at Anfield since November 1991.

Addressing the fans on the pitch after the game, Gerrard said: “It felt very strange. I’ve been dreading this moment. I’m going to miss it so much.

“I’ve loved every minute. I’m absolutely devastated I’m never going to play in front of these supporters again.”

He added: “I’d like to thank everyone at the club who’s helped me over the last 17 years. There are too many people to name.

“I would like to thank all my team-mates, all the ex-players. They’ve made me the player I am today.

“I’ll save the last thanks to the most important people at the football club. These supporters stand out more than anyone.

“Before I go, before the tears come, I’ve played in front of most supporters around the world, but let me tell you: you’re the best.”

The defeat ended Liverpool’s slim mathematical hope of Champions League qualification ahead of their final game at Stoke City, but that was of minor concern on a day that belonged to their beloved, home-grown captain.

“He got a wonderful send-off,” said Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.

“It was a fantastic day for him and his family. But in terms of the performance, it was disappointing.”

Players from both sides formed a guard of honour as Gerrard took to the pitch accompanied by his daughters Lourdes, Lexie and Lilly-Ella, while fans in the Kop and Centenary Stand formed mosaics in his honour.

Predictably, with Liverpool’s Champions League hopes all but dashed even before kick-off and Palace long safe from relegation, the sense of occasion diminished the moment the match began.

But after 26 minutes a miscued pass by former Liverpool full-back Martin Kelly put Scott Dann in trouble and Lallana pounced to run through and calmly lift a shot past Wayne Hennessey.

It was not the cue for Liverpool to take control, however, with Joe Ledley, Yannick Bolasie and Lee Chung-yong all squandering chances for Palace, while Simon Mignolet got down well to parry a deflected shot from Puncheon.

Shortly before half-time Puncheon equalised, whipping a fine 20-yard free-kick into the bottom-right corner after Emre Can had been booked for felling Bolasie.

Zaha put Palace ahead on the hour, just seconds after coming on for Lee.

The former Manchester United winger ghosted in at the back post to sweep home a low cross from Bolasie, despite appearing to be offside.

Gerrard had scored in his previous two games and with Rodgers moving him further forward, he had chances to equalise, testing Hennessey with a low shot and curling a free-kick over the bar.

But after Bolasie had hit the bar, Palace won a penalty despite Lucas Leiva’s trip on Zaha occurring outside the box and although Mignolet parried Murray’s spot-kick, he scored at the second attempt.

“It was an honour to be here today,” said Palace manager Alan Pardew, whose side had lost their four previous games. “It was a lovely moment.”

Gerrard is expected to return to Liverpool in some capacity in the future, but he played down the chances of a loan spell next season.

“The only way I’d ever come back would be an emergency situation,” he told the BBC. “But I hope I’m not needed come the winter.”