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TUESDAY 21 |
Heinze may be left in limbo
Gabriel Heinze could be left in footballing limbo if he
decides to appeal against the Premier League's decision not
to allow him to quit Manchester United for Liverpool.
A three-man panel decided United were right to block
Heinze's dream move to Anfield, ruling a letter, signed by
Red Devils chief executive David Gill, confirming the fee at
which the Argentina defender's current club would be willing
to sell brought neither an obligation for a sale or
superseded his present contract, which still has two years
to run.
Heinze is now considering his options but an appeal is
expected sometime on Wednesday as the 29-year-old has his
heart set on becoming the first United play to join
Liverpool since Phil Chisnall in 1964.
Yet, having antagonised the Old Trafford outfit with his
conduct already, Heinze is playing a dangerous game as
United will have 14 days to respond to any appeal.
In effect, it means should Heinze challenge the verdict,
United can stall long enough to ensure the £6million capture
from Paris St Germain does not leave at all before the
August 31 transfer deadline.
Certainly, given their implacable stance to a deal involving
Liverpool, United are hardly likely to do anything which
could facilitate such a move.
(PA Sport)
New Hillsborough memorial planned for Stanley Park
It has been revealed that Liverpool's new stadium on Stanley
Park could have 96 permanently empty seats in tribute to the
fans who lost their lives at the Hillsborough disaster.
The Liverpool Echo have revealed that the Reds are seriously
considering implementing the memorial into the new stadium
plans.
Club spokesperson Ian Cotton said: "We're aware of the
suggestions being made, but nothing has been decided. The
club is considering the proposal carefully and will make a
decision in due course."
It's possible that the empty seats could be shaped in the
number 96.
(Shankly Gates)
Ref Styles was Roman's builder
The referee who awarded Chelsea a controversial penalty in
Sunday's game with Liverpool also paved Roman Abramovich's
drive.
The Sun newspaper claimed today Styles is on the board of
the firm which was paid a five-figure sum for work at the
Russian's 440-acre country estate last summer.
Styles, 43, has been axed from refeering a match this
Saturday following his display in the 1-1 between Liverpool
and Chelsea.
The official gave Chelsea a hotly disputed penalty, and also
seemed to book the same Chelsea player twice.
Any suggestions that Styles's summer job constituted a
conflict of interest was ruled out by the body that
represents professional referees.
Professional Game Match Official Limited said in a
statement: "[We] investigated this at the time and are
entirely satisfied that no conflict of interest existed.
"We do not think this is an issue. It would be entirely
wrong to impugn his integrity as a referee."
(Channel 4)
Antwi injury blow for Hartlepool
Hartlepool's on-loan Liverpool defender Godwin Antwi is set
for a spell out of action with a hamstring injury.
Antwi, who is on a season-long loan from Anfield, was
injured after scoring Hartlepool?s opening goal in their 2-1
win over on Doncaster on Saturday.
"With a hamstring injury you're usually looking at three to
four weeks," boss Danny Wilson told his club's website.
"We will see how it progresses and we are hoping it will be
sooner. It's a blow but we have a great squad."
(BBC Sport Online)
Gerrard battling to face Sunderland
Steven Gerrard has been ruled out of the England squad for
tomorrow’s international against Germany at Wembley.
And the Liverpool skipper’s fractured toe has left him
facing a race against time to be fit for the Premier League
trip to Sunderland on Saturday.
The midfielder suffered the damage to the big toe in his
right foot during the Champions League qualifier in Toulouse
last Wednesday.
Gerrard, who played in Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea at
Anfield having undergone a painkilling injection in the
injury, had another X-ray yesterday to review the damage and
after the scans were assessed by both the England medical
team and staff at Anfield, it was decided Gerrard would not
be fit to feature for his country tomorrow.
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez suggested last week that,
although available to play against Chelsea, the midfielder
would then need between seven and 10 days to recuperate.
It makes Gerrard an early doubt for the visit to Stadium of
Light at the weekend to face Roy Keane’s promoted side.
(Liverpool Daily Post) |
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MONDAY 20 |
Heinze awaits tribunal verdict
The Premier League says a decision on the future of
Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze is expected to be
made on Tuesday.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and chief executive David
Gill travelled to a Premier League arbitration tribunal on
Monday to argue that the Argentinian should not be allowed
to join Liverpool.
The defender has asked for a three-man panel to decide
whether United gave him permission to leave the club for an
agreed fee.
Heinze wants to join Liverpool and claims he has a letter
from United allowing him to leave if a club offered a fee of
£6.8million.
The club maintain however that they made it clear to Heinze
both orally and by letter that he would not be permitted to
join one of their title rivals in the top flight.
A Premier League spokesman confirmed a verdict is likely on
Tuesday.
(TEAMtalk)
Gerrard ruled out of friendly clash
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has been ruled out of the
England squad for Wednesday's international against Germany.
The midfielder, who played in his team's 1-1 Barclays
Premier League draw against Chelsea on Sunday, was set to
have an X-ray on his fractured toe on Monday.
The England medical team have been in constant liaison with
staff at Anfield - and after assessing the scans it was
decided Gerrard would not be fit to feature for his country
on Wednesday.
(PA Sport)
Rob Styles suspended after Anfield errors
Blunder ref Rob Styles has been suspended from Premier
League duties following his woeful handling of Liverpool’s
1-1 draw with Chelsea.
Styles won’t be officiating in the top flight this weekend.
Referee chief Keith Hackett has revealed Styles has admitted
his mistake in awarding Chelsea a controversial penalty.
Hackett has also contacted Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez to
apologise for the error.
(Liverpool Echo)
read more
Reds on loan watch
Liverpool have seven players out on loan at various parts of
the country at the moment. Here's how they are getting on.
Scott Carson
Scott had an impressive debut for Aston Villa during
Saturday's goalless draw at Newcastle United and made
several good saves.
Godwin Antwi
The Ghanaian centre half is currently out on a season long
loan at League One side Hartlepool United. Godwin scored for
Hartlepool on Saturday with a header in the 2-1 win over
Doncaster Rovers. He has played three games so far for Danny
Wilson's side.
Danny Guthrie
Danny is currently with Sammy Lee's Bolton Wanderers but has
yet to make a senior appearance for the struggling side.
Adam Hammill
Adam came on as a 71st minute substitute for Southampton in
their 2-1 defeat by Norwich City at the weekend. The winger
has made two substitute appearances for George Burley's side
so far, and is pushing hard for a place in the starting
line-up when the Saints host Stoke City on Saturday.
Paul Anderson
The winger marked his first start for Swansea City with a
fantastic goal during the midweek 2-0 win over Walsall in
the Carling Cup. He made his Swans debut as a substitute
during the 2-1 opening day defeat by Oldham, but missed
Saturday's goalless draw with Nottingham Forest with a
hamstring strain.
Lee Peltier
Lee played the full 90 minutes for Yeovil Town on Saturday
in their 1-0 win over Port Vale in League One. Peltier has
played in all of Yeovil's three matches so far in central
midfield.
James Smith
The Liverpool born defender is currently on loan at League
Two side Stockport County. He played the full 90 minutes in
County's 1-1 draw at Gillingham on Saturday. Smith has
played in all of Stockport's three games so far.
(LFC Official Website)
Finnan: Ref Styles cost us two crucial points
Steve Finnan today accused referee Rob Styles of costing
Liverpool two crucial points against Chelsea as he spoke of
his bewilderment at the controversial penalty decision.
“It was definitely two points lost. We deserved to win the
game,” said Finnan. “I’m very disappointed with how they got
back into the game. Four points isn’t a bad start for us,
but it should have been six.
“Everyone has said it wasn’t a penalty. I couldn’t believe
it. At the time when he blew I thought it was for offside.
None of their players appealed for it. Their player just ran
into me, so it was very surprising."
(Liverpool Echo)
read more
A new star is born as golden boy
Fernando Torres turns back clock
It's the second week of August and after kicking off the
season with an away win, an expectant Kop waits with bated
breath for the home debut of Liverpool’s big summer signing.
And they don’t have to wait long before falling in love with
their newest hero.
After breaking the club’s transfer record to sign the
striker, he repays the club in kind, by turning in an effort
at the Anfield Road end – and a new star is born.
The year was 1977 and the player was Kenny Dalglish.
Now, fast forward 30 years and Fernando Torres will be
hoping that his maiden strike will set him on the road to a
similar career path as that of the club’s brightest star.
Fortunately for Dalglish his big day – when the Reds cruised
past Newcastle United 2-0 – was not ruined by an inept match
official.
But after the hangover’s clear across the city this morning
and Liverpool fans start to think about the positives of
yesterday’s Chelsea stalemate, one thing will override
everything else.
The Reds have got themselves a goal poacher again.
(Liverpool Echo)
read more
Heinze: Let me join Reds
Gabriel Heinze has again called on Manchester United to
sanction a move to Liverpool.
The defender is due to meet club officials on Monday to
discuss his future, with Heinze keen to head to Anfield.
Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted the Argentine will not join
the club's fierce rivals as the Premier League prepare to
look into the case.
French champions Lyon have expressed an interest in Heinze,
while Barcelona and Real Madrid are also rumoured to have
made an enquiry.
But the former Paris Saint Germain wants to link up with
Liverpool and has urged United to accept his wish.
"I am a professional and I am concentrating every day on my
career with Manchester United, but now my head is thinking
about Monday's meeting and I want a definitive solution,"
said Heinze in the Daily Mirror.
"My lawyers are optimistic about this case.
"My idea has not changed and my objective is to go to
Liverpool.
"I will always be grateful to United, but now I hope they
allow me to get
my wish."
(Sky Sports)
Young Reds suffer heavy defeat
There was disappointment for Liverpool Under-18s when they
lost their opening game of the Academy season after a 5-0
defeat at Aston Villa.
Liverpool played well in the first half and after a
succession of missed chances the young Reds found themselves
1-0 down at half time, but unfortunately a second half
defensive collapse saw Villa take full advantage.
Reds Under-18 manager Hughie McAuley said: "It is
disappointing for everybody concerned to lose a match 5-0
and it's a kick up the backside for the players.
(LFC Official Website) |
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SUNDAY 19 |
Benitez slams Styles
Rafa Benitez was left fuming by referee Rob Styles following
Liverpool's
1-1 draw with Chelsea.
The Reds were denied a priceless victory after Styles
awarded a controversial second half penalty for Chelsea.
Styles harshly adjudged Steve Finnan to have fouled Florent
Malouda inside the box even thought it appeared that the
Chelsea winger jumped into the Liverpool defender.
Benitez described Styles' decision as "unbelievable" as
Liverpool were forced to settle for a point.
"I think it was a mistake," fumed Benitez.
"It is unbelievable. How can you take this decision? It is
unbelievable."
(Sky Sports)
read more
Jose backs referee
Jose Mourinho backed Rob Styles after the referee found
himself the centre of controversy during Liverpool's draw
with Chelsea.
Styles was blasted by Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez and
Reds skipper Steven Gerrard after he awarded Chelsea a
controversial penalty.
When asked if his side had been fortunate with the penalty
award, Mourinho told Sky Sports 1: "I don't know. But so
many times you are unfortunate, especially in this stadium
with referees' decisions,
I don't know."
(Sky Sports)
read more
Gerrard blast for referee Styles
Steven Gerrard accused referee Rob Styles of cracking under
pressure after he awarded Chelsea a highly-controversial
penalty at Anfield.
"I felt the referee didn't play well today. There was a lot
of pressure from the Chelsea players and I thought he
eventually cracked."
(TEAMtalk)
read more
Reds pay the penalty
Frank Lampard's controversial penalty earned Chelsea a
fortunate 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield.
Fernando Torres started to repay some of his massive
transfer fee as he gave Liverpool the lead in the first half
with his first goal for the club.
Chelsea were handed the chance to equalise just past the
hour mark when referee Rob Styles controversially adjudged
Steve Finnan to have fouled Florent Malouda inside the box,
even though it looked as if the Frenchman jumped into the
defender.
Lampard scored from the resulting spot-kick to earn Chelsea
a point as both sides saw their 100 per cent starts to the
season come to an end.
The incident set the tone for the rest of a fractious match
in which Styles almost lost control. In the latter stages he
appeared to book Michael Essien for a second time without
sending off the Ghanaian only for the fourth official reveal
the booking had been issued to John Terry.
Chelsea's vulnerability on their right flank saw them a goal
behind on 16 minutes.
Gerrard played the ball with the outside of his right foot,
finding Torres heading into the area.
The Spain international took on Tal Ben-Haim, leaving the
ex-Bolton man in just a couple of yards before squeezing a
clever side-foot shot just inside Cech's far post.
(Sky Sports)
read more
McClaren rues Carragher absence
England manager Steve McClaren has hinted he regrets not
giving Jamie Carragher more regular opportunities in the
national team.
The Liverpool defender recently retired from international
football due to a lack of chances at the heart of the
England defence and a meeting between he and McClaren failed
to change his mind.
"It's a massive disappointment. He is a captain and a
leader," said McClaren.
When asked on Sky Sports 1 whether in hindsight he regrets
choosing the likes of Ledley King and Wes Brown over
Carragher, the England boss said: "The level of
disappointment that Jamie had at not playing, obviously I
would have liked to have known about that decision a lot
earlier and maybe changed.
"Jamie is 29, 30, and has been in every squad. He's very
important to England when he was available.
"I can fully understand but am disappointed to lose him, he
epitomises not just Liverpool but England. We had a very
good meeting and I said if he ever wants to change his mind,
to pick up the phone and call me."
(TEAMtalk)
Torres and Kuyt up front v chelsea
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has stuck with the same
striking options he used at Aston Villa last week, meaning
Fernando Torres will make his Anfield debut alongside Dirk
Kuyt in today's Premiership clash with Chelsea.
The Reds are looking to make it three wins in a week after
wins over Aston Villa and Toulouse and Rafa Benitez has also
recalled Xabi Alonso, Daniel Agger and Jermaine Pennant to
his starting eleven.
Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Agger, Riise, Gerrard, Torres,
Alonso, Pennant, Arbeloa, Kuyt, Carragher. Subs: Itandje,
Hyypia, Crouch, Babel, Mascherano.
(LFC Official Website)
Parry: Gerrard must rest after today
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry was asked if he felt it
was right for Liverpool to consider using an injured Steven
Gerrard in today’s league clash with Chelsea, yet to expect
England to rest him for their meaningless friendly against
Germany on Wednesday.
Gerrard has a hairline fracture in his toe, and the advice
from Liverpool’s club doctor is that using Gerrard would be
a risk, and Rafa must now decide whether it is a risk worth
taking. Chelsea are still being left guessing as to whether
Gerrard will play a part in today’s game.
The player sustained the injury on Wednesday and Rafa will
have used training session to help make his mind up on not
just if his captain could suffer further damage if played,
but also if he would be able to perform well enough to
warrant a place.
Once those decisions are out of the way and the game is over
Gerrard has to go and join up with England for their medical
staff to assess the player’s fitness.
Liverpool’s decision to declare the player official ‘fit’
for today means England have the right to use Gerrard as
they see fit.
But Liverpool are insisting that he does not play. Parry
explained: “It’s the sort of injury that is going to need
careful nursing and rest. If we had two games in a week,
we’d be looking to rest him in one of them. Our focus is
Liverpool, getting the right results and winning trophies
for Liverpool.”
(AnfieldRoad.com)
Reds: No Owen deal on cards
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has ruled out the
possibility of making a raid on Newcastle for their former
striker Michael Owen.
The 27-year-old England international has been linked with a
move back to Anfield since he joined the Magpies from Real
Madrid two years ago. However, Owen again pledged his future
to Newcastle on Saturday ahead of making his return to
action from a muscle tear in the goalless draw with Aston
Villa at St James' Park.
Parry has now come out to state that Liverpoool will not be
making any effort to sign their former player in the near
future.
"Certainly not in this transfer window and I very much doubt
in the next one," he told BBC Radio Five Live.
(Clubcall Sports)
Paletta "very happy" with Boca move
Argentine defender Gabriel Paletta, who was loaned out to
Boca Juniors from Liverpool, feels that his latest move
isn’t going a step backwards.
Paletta, who arrived in Argentina on Saturday to join the
Boca squad, affirmed that playing for the Argentine giants
“is highly important for any player, and that “it doesn’t
matter if some say it is going backwards
or not”.
The young defender wasn’t given many opportunities by Rafael
Benitez at Anfield, and was keen on a move back to Argentine
football, even though it means he will be returning to a
somewhat inferior league.
Despite this he said, “I’m very happy to join such a big
club in Argentina. The expectations are huge. Now I will try
my best to get into shape quickly so I can be ready for the
manager”.
The 21 year old, who helped Argentina win the 2005 FIFA U-20
World Cup, told reporters that he is in good physical
condition after “doing the entire pre-season with
Liverpool”.
(Goal.com)
Thor Zakariassen
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