Liverpool stars in booze shame

 

By DANIEL KING - More by this author » Last updated at 23:49pm on 17th February 2007 Comments (2)

 

 

Liverpool stars are alleged to have gone on an alcohol-fuelled rampage during a training camp last week in Portugal.

Goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek, Jermaine Pennant and former England striker Robbie Fowler were named by local newspapers as being involved in a drunken spree at the Barringtons Golf and Health Club, in Vale do Lobo, on the Algarve, in the early hours of Friday morning.

 

Dudek, a hero of Liverpool’s Champions League triumph in Istanbul two years ago,was reported to have been handcuffed after the incident, which is alleged to have occurred at the end of a warm-weather training camp undertaken to prepare for Liverpool’s Champions League game in Barcelona on Wednesday.

A Liverpool spokesman said last night: "The matter will be dealt with internally."

The future of all three players will be in doubt if the allegations are shown to be true. But Pennant, whose troubled past includes a spell in prison for drunken driving, has the most to lose, with veterans Dudek and Fowler already likely to be leaving the club at the end of the season.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez was in nearby Vilamoura at the time of the alleged trouble. He will be disappointed with the claims against Pennant after he gave the player a chance to resurrect his top-flight career by signing him for £6million from Birmingham last summer.

The allegations will also make waves across the Atlantic, where the club’s new American owners, George Gillett Jnr and Thomas Hicks, are unlikely to be impressed at the tarnishing of Liverpool’s reputation on the eve of the next formal stage of their £450m takeover.

Local sources claim the trouble began at a bar called Monty’s, in Vale do Lobo, where about 15 members of the squad had gone for a drink after a team meal on the eve of their departure from Portugal.

After several rounds of beer, the party reportedly became rowdy and, despite the efforts of captain Steven Gerrard and England international Peter Crouch to defuse the situation, police were called.

Officers escorted the party back to Barringtons but trouble is said to have flared again. No one was arrested or charged but Dudek is alleged to have been restrained by police. It is understood that Barringtons reported only a broken glass and Liverpool are said to have agreed to pay for any damage.

The incident recalls the scandal of another sunshine trip by an English club, when a drunken night involving Leicester players in La Manga in 2004 ended in three of them being charged with sexual assault, a case which subsequently collapsed.

Although not as serious, the allegations against Liverpool could not have come at a more crucial time for the club.

Shareholders will receive a formal offer document in the morning from Kop Football Ltd, the Hicks/Gillett company bidding for the club.

Kop will then have a minimum of 21 days to agree a deal with the owners of 75 per cent of the shares, at which point they would be irreversibly committed to buying the club.

I'm so proud...although, this might be an excellent excuse to get rid of three players who've done pretty much bugger all this year...actually this might be a good thing!

 

And also, well done Stevie and The Crouch, I knew i liked them two for a reason!

caaalm down caaaalm down!

 

By Dominic Herbert & Anthony Kastrinakis

 

 

A FUN sing-song turned into a vicious punch-up as Liverpool ace Craig Bellamy saw red and waded into team-mate John Arne Riise in a drunken rage.

 

The sensational bust-up erupted in the early hours of Friday at the team's Portuguese hotel after a marathon boozing session.

 

 

An eye witness says the feuding Premiership stars:

 

 

TRADED INSULTS during a bar's karaoke contest when Riise refused to take the stage,

 

SCREAMED ABUSE as they faced each other toe to toe,

 

TOTTERED back to their training camp base at 2am,

 

FOUGHT in a hotel as Bellamy lashed out at Riise's £5 million legs with a golf club, until the pair were

 

SEPARATED by head coach Rafael Benitez.

 

The outrage has massive implications for both players and the club, who have just been taken over by new American owners.

 

 

Tycoon co-chairmen George Gillett and Tom Hicks who invested £470 million were said to be furious that their name has been dragged through the mud just before a vital Champions League clash with Barcelona on Wednesday—their most important match this year.

 

 

Insiders have predicted it could spell the end of 27-year-old bad boy Bellamy's career at Anfield.

 

The astonishing incident kicked off at Monty's Restaurant and Bar in the upmarket Algarve Vale do Lobo resort where Welsh international Bellamy and Norwegian World Cup hero Riise, 25, were winding down with colleagues after five days' training in preparation for Wednesday.

 

 

An inside source revealed: "There had been a lot of drinking and everyone was enjoying themselves.

 

 

"But it all went wrong when Craig tried to drag John up for a song.

 

 

"There was a karaoke competition going on, but John's a quiet one off the pitch and wasn't having it at all.

 

 

"It started off as a bit of a lark with some of the other lads having a go but then it got completely out of hand. John went ballistic because Craig wouldn't take no for an answer. He was screaming at Craig to leave him alone, saying he wouldn't do it and yelling insults.

 

 

"Everyone was completely stunned by it because they were really having a go, standing there toe to toe swearing at each other. There were about 20 players in the bar including all the senior guys, like Steven Gerrard, Peter Crouch and Dirk Kuyt.

 

 

"They were warned to keep a lid on it and it appeared to calm down.

 

 

"It was really late, about 2am, and the players eventually started drifting off to bed. But Craig, who was sharing with Steve Finnan, was so wound up he couldn't sleep.

 

 

"He suddenly grabbed a golf club and went looking for John. And when he found him he waded in, hacking at his legs with the club.

 

 

"All hell was let loose and John suffered a lot of bruising. Craig was out of control and shouting that John had belittled him in front of the lads."

Eventually coach Benitez was called to separate the two stars. The boss was said to be horrified and called both players to an emergency summit after they sobered up.

 

 

Benitez had plenty to worry about. Unconfirmed reports in a local newspaper said one footballer had also been handcuffed after allegedly trying to headbutt a policeman.

 

 

And it was claimed other players smashed electrical equipment in the resort with their golf clubs.

 

 

Staff at the four-star Barringtons Centro Deportivo hotel were ordered to keep quiet about the disturbance.

"The players flew back to Britain on Friday and were trying to keep a lid on the shameful incident.

 

 

But our source said: "With Liverpool just about to play one of the most important matches in their history this is the last thing they need.

 

 

"The break was meant to be a bit of rest and recreation with light training to get the team acclimatised for the Nou Camp on Wednesday, but this fight has ruined everything.

 

 

"It has heaped disgrace on the club when all the attention should be focused on what happens on the pitch. The new owners can't understand how grown men can behave like this. They believe the club's reputation is in the gutter and find it incredible that this should happen just before the Barcelona game.

 

 

"If Liverpool lose the match because of this there'll be hell to pay."

 

 

Riise's teammates are shocked at Bellamy's attack on a fellow professional and friend. A source said: "To smash a golf club into a fellow player's legs is unforgivable.

"It's the worst place ever to attack a footballer. Damaged legs are no good to anyone in this business and Riise is known for his trademark blockbusting shots.

 

 

"It's like deliberately trying to break someone's leg on the pitch — however cross or angry you are, it's a no-brainer. You just can't do it.

 

 

"John was mortified when Craig came bursting into his room like that. Anything could have happened."

 

 

It is not clear what punishments the players face. But hard-line Spaniard Benitez is unlikely to tolerate such loutish behaviour ever again and at the very least is expected to fine both men heavily.

 

 

One insider said: "Some people feel it's time to ship Bellamy out so he can be someone else's problem."

 

 

A Liverpool spokesman said: "We're not prepared to make any comment."

oh bloody hell...

^Bellamy's been trouble wherever he's been. He deserves to be booted out of professional football, as he's a disgrace to the game.;)

being a Man Utd fan, I'm loving this thread:dance:

being a Man Utd fan, I'm loving this thread:dance:

 

Well one thing you have to say about Fergie is that he wouldn't stand for this behaviour and any offenders would be straight out the door!! Plus he wouldn't sign known trouble-makers like Bellamy and Pennant in the first place.;)

I don't think he'd sign either because they're both shite ;)

I don't think he'd sign either because they're both shite ;)

 

And both shites, too!!:P

being a Man Utd fan, I'm loving this thread:dance:

 

first I've heard of it :shocked2:

Bellamys done well this season to be fair, Pennants been rubbish and hopefully would have gone anyway. But Bellamys just so disappointing, he was really starting to establish himself as a useful player and then this. If what they're saying is true, then he can never play again for Liverpool, not only can his teammates not trust him but what kind of example does it set to the fans if he's allowed to get away with this?

 

Over the past few years Liverpool have never been associated with stuff like this, Benitez took a chance on Bellamy and Pennant, he's got to admit that he was wrong, sell them and move on.

Bellamys done well this season to be fair, Pennants been rubbish and hopefully would have gone anyway. But Bellamys just so disappointing, he was really starting to establish himself as a useful player and then this. If what they're saying is true, then he can never play again for Liverpool, not only can his teammates not trust him but what kind of example does it set to the fans if he's allowed to get away with this?

 

Over the past few years Liverpool have never been associated with stuff like this, Benitez took a chance on Bellamy and Pennant, he's got to admit that he was wrong, sell them and move on.

 

Well you know what they say - a leopard never changes its spots!!:rolleyes:

Pennant, Fowler and Bellamy involved in a drunken incident! shocking! Next you'll be saying the Royal Family are a bunch of inbreds.

can't take them anywhere can ya.

:stunned:

a golf club? what is he 10?

:stunned:

a golf club? what is he 10?

 

You mean his handicap??:rolleyes:

no good news apparently, they got drunk and acted silly.

 

but then again news of the world isnt the best source either.

 

anyway..

 

OFFICIAL LIVERPOOL FC STATEMENT

 

Liverpool FC have today released the following statement from manager Rafael Benitez

 

"I met this morning with the entire first team squad and made it absolutely clear to all of them the responsibilities that come with playing for this club and the way they are expected to conduct themselves both on and off the pitch.

 

"The players worked extremely hard at last week's training camp, but we will take disciplinary action and fine any of them who are found to have breached club rules during our stay in Portugal. I've told the players this and they understand and accept the decision I have taken.

 

"Despite reports to the contrary, the spirit amongst the lads is very good with everyone looking forward to the game against Barcelona on Wednesday.

 

"We remain totally focussed on what will be a very tough game against the defending European Champions."

they couldnt stop mentioning the story tonight.

 

how ironic that bellamy and riise scored.

and he shall henceforth be known as 'Tiger'!

I'm so proud...although, this might be an excellent excuse to get rid of three players who've done pretty much bugger all this year...actually this might be a good thing!

 

And also, well done Stevie and The Crouch, I knew i liked them two for a reason!

 

It's strange how Peter Crouch suddenly got good when Fowler joined.... hmmm maybe because Fowler has been giving him advice. To say that Fowler has done nothing makes you sound like a complete focking tit. He has been a great morale boost to the entire squad and has got the goals when called upon. It's a 100% goal ratio when he starts the game. Two goals today and a assist. Yeah Robbie hasn't done much at all this year.......

It's strange how Peter Crouch suddenly got good when Fowler joined.... hmmm maybe because Fowler has been giving him advice. To say that Fowler has done nothing makes you sound like a complete focking tit. He has been a great morale boost to the entire squad and has got the goals when called upon. It's a 100% goal ratio when he starts the game. Two goals today and a assist. Yeah Robbie hasn't done much at all this year.......

 

Two penalties today...I love Rob, he's a ledge and considering we payed nothing for him he's done a good job for us, but I would be shocked if he was at Liverpool next season, the fact is that whilst he may be good for the morale of the fans he really hasn't done much for the team this year, the two goals yesterday were only his second and third goals of the league season.

 

And to say Crouch 'suddenly got good' when he joined is bizzare, Crouch has still got a hell of a lot of improvement to do, he's wasteful, tactically poor, spends half the game giving the defenders free-kicks and drags the team into playing endless long, straight balls. Doesn't mean I don't like the guy, but to suggest that Fowler has turned him into a magnificent player is a something I can't say I've ever heard anyone claim before.

 

My point was, that Dudek, Pennant and Fowler are three players that we can afford to lose, and according to rumours probably will.

Dirk Kuyt today joined the Robbie Fowler Fan Club after watching the legendary Liverpool striker take his season total to seven goals with two sweetly struck penalties against Sheffield United at Anfield.

The Dutch international - a first-half substitute for the injured Peter Crouch against Neil Warnock's side on Saturday – could only look on in awe as Fowler beat Paddy Kenny twice from the spot within the space of five minutes. It was, Kuyt claims, further proof of just how important Robbie is to the team on and off the pitch.

 

"I think Robbie has shown us yet again that he's a legend," proclaimed the Dutchman. "It's hard when you're not in the squad all the time, and not always playing, and yet he scored twice and also played really well.

 

"He's very important for the team, even when he's not on the pitch with us. It's unbelievable the way he finishes his penalties. He's still got a very cool head and is a very good player.

 

"I think Robbie is, like I said, just very important for the team. Even off the pitch he tries to help the younger people, like me when I first came here. That's really important."

 

 

Rafa Benitez hailed Robbie Fowler as the best finisher at the club following his brace in the 4-0 win over Sheffield United.

The striker netted two first-half penalties to take his tally for the season to seven.

 

Benitez said: "He's a really good finisher, still the best we have, and I sometimes think that if we could have Bellamy running at defenders and carrying the ball 20 yards, then turning into Fowler with the goal in sight, it would be perfect.

 

"If you create chances for him, you know you can rely on his finishing and that is a very important quality to have.

 

"We have four very good strikers, all with different skills. You can make the most of Crouch's aerial ability, Kuyt works hard between the lines and Bellamy runs behind defences.

 

"Robbie operates in and around the box and, of course, he snaps up chances.

 

"We can talk about Robbie's future at a later date, but if he scores every time he plays over the next few months, you never know.

 

"You need a regular supply of goals from someone and if Robbie is not with us next season we will have to look for another like him. It will not be easy, but it is clear we would need someone with the same qualities."

Two penalties today...I love Rob, he's a ledge and considering we payed nothing for him he's done a good job for us, but I would be shocked if he was at Liverpool next season, the fact is that whilst he may be good for the morale of the fans he really hasn't done much for the team this year, the two goals yesterday were only his second and third goals of the league season.

 

And to say Crouch 'suddenly got good' when he joined is bizzare, Crouch has still got a hell of a lot of improvement to do, he's wasteful, tactically poor, spends half the game giving the defenders free-kicks and drags the team into playing endless long, straight balls. Doesn't mean I don't like the guy, but to suggest that Fowler has turned him into a magnificent player is a something I can't say I've ever heard anyone claim before.

 

My point was, that Dudek, Pennant and Fowler are three players that we can afford to lose, and according to rumours probably will.

 

God can't do much for the team if he doesn't start can he? Payed 7, Scored 7. Nice ratio if you ask me. The best scoring ratio on the team matey. Ok Crouch is pure shit but he got better when Robbie joined that's a fact! How else could Crouch have gotten better? I really hope God stay another season, he's the best finisher on the team as rafa said.