Source: FootyTube
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Monday, October 17, 2011
Suarez hit back at racism claim
The war of words between Liverpool and Manchester United’s Patrice Evra escalated on Sunday night as Luis Suárez strongly denied allegations of racism.
Liverpool are standing firmly behind their South American striker following the Manchester United captain’s provocative claims after Saturday’s 1-1 draw.
If it is decided there is no case to answer, Liverpool expect Evra to be subject to disciplinary measures and banned due to the seriousness of his accusations.
Suárez strenuously denies any wrongdoing, and last night released a statement expressing his hurt at being caught up in the controversy.
“I’m upset by the accusations of racism,” Suárez said in a statement released on his Facebook page.
“I can only say that I have always respected and respect everybody. We are all the same. I go to the field with the maximum illusion of a little child who enjoys what he does, not to create conflicts.”
Liverpool have offered their full support to the player and their already frosty relations with Manchester United threaten to deteriorate even further as a consequence of Evra’s statements.
A fresh Anfield statement said: “Luis is adamant that he has not used language of that nature and the club is totally supportive of the player.”
United are making no comment on the affair following the start of the FA investigation.
As a matter of protocol, the FA must first speak to Evra before deciding what action, if any, is required. If the defender repeats the claims he made on a French TV channel to the FA, Suárez will be summoned to provide his version of events.
Match referee Andre Marriner was compelled to report the incident to the authorities after being made aware of the complaints after the full-time whistle.
He was unaware of any inappropriate language during the game itself, but Evra was adamant Suárez was continuously using racist slurs.
The pair could be seen involved in regular verbal and physical altercations during the game, but there was little hint of the extent of the row which was to follow.
Most of Liverpool’s staff and Suarez’s team-mates were completely unaware of any possible racial element to the quarrel until they read about it at the training ground yesterday morning.
“There are cameras, you can see him. He says a certain word to me at least 10 times,” Evra said in his interview with Canal Plus.
“I was very upset. In 2011 you can’t say things like this. He knows what he said, the ref knows it, it will come out.
"I won’t repeat what he said, but it was a racist word, and he said it more than 10 times.
"He tried to wind me up. I won’t make a huge deal out of it, but it’s very upsetting and disappointing.”
Evra is due to fly to Bucharest today with the rest of the Manchester United team for tomorrow’s Champions League tie, and the FA will not impose any timescale to resolve the issue.
They are acutely aware of the sensitivities surrounding the furore, particularly given the rivalry between the clubs involved and the potential for further antagonism.
A statement from the FA said: “Referee Andre Marriner was made aware of an allegation at the end of the fixture and subsequently reported this to the FA. The FA will now begin making enquiries into the matter.”
Liverpool initially released a statement on the player’s behalf on Saturday evening making it clear he rejected Evra’s comments.
“The first thing we did, as you would expect, is ask the player and he has categorically denied using any language of that nature,” it said.
The club’s stance toughened even more over the following 24 hours with the more emphatically supportive statement on Suárez’s behalf.
Evra has been caught up in similar rows before, although he has never made allegations himself.
Three years ago he was at the centre of a race row when Chelsea groundsman Sam Bethel was accused, and later exonerated, after a member of United’s staff said he used racist language against the French full-back.
Five years ago, Liverpool’s Steve Finnan was also subjected to a police investigation, and then cleared, after TV viewers suggested they had lip-read a racist insult aimed at Evra.
The latest incident comes as the anti-discrimination body Kick It Out promotes its weeks of action, which began last Thursday and runs through to October 31.
Indeed, Liverpool’s home Premier League match against Norwich on Saturday was marked in the calendar as offering high profile support for Kick It Out’s 'One Game, One Community’ campaign.
This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.
Source: Telegraph
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Video Highlights: Liverpool 1-1 Manchester United
On his return to the starting XI for the first time since March, the Reds captain netted with a brilliant free-kick on 68 minutes to break the visitors' resistance in a tense contest.
But with 10 minutes left to play, substitute Javier Hernandez rescued a point for United when he headed home from a corner to ensure the spoils were shared in L4.
Gerrard was the main focus of the pre-match chatter after it emerged the captain had been handed his first start since March in what was Kenny Dalglish's 250th league game in charge of Liverpool.
Read more: Liverpool FC Official
Source: FootyTube
Liverpool Ready for United Challenge
With the latest round of international fixtures out of the way, attention turns to Anfield at Saturday lunchtime with Liverpool hosting Champions and bitter rivals Manchester United.
It is a clash which will be a huge test of the title credentials of Kenny Dalglish's side as the Reds look to put down a marker and derail United's own title bid.
Liverpool fans will be looking for a repeat of last seasons Anfield victory over United in a match where Luis Suarez fully announced himself onto the Premier League scene with a fantastic display as he ran the United defence ragged.
As much as Liverpool fans would like to believe they can genuinely challenge for the title, the reality is that Manchester City are likely United's main rivals for the title. However, no matter who is competing with them for the title, their rivalry with Liverpool will always be the biggest, especially now with Sir Alex Ferguson's rival Dalglish - with whom he's never seen eye to eye - back in the hot seat.
All eyes this lunchtime will be on Wayne Rooney who has just been dealt the hammer blow of being ruled out of England's entire Euro 2012 group campaign, a result which may even put his inclusion in the squad in doubt.
With fresh question marks being made about his temperament, it will be very interesting to watch how he handles the intense pressure that is associated with this fixture. Although it could of course work the other way and he could put in the performance of his life.
Despite the financial muscle of Chelsea and Manchester City, these two giants remain England's biggest clubs and between them they sell more football shirts around the world than any other combination of clubs.
It's one of the toughest matches to call between the side in recent years with Liverpool's rather inconsistent form making it difficult to judge which team will turn up. But with Steven Gerrard back in the fold and Andy Carroll's confidence improving after his recent winner at Goodison Park, I'm tipping Liverpool to pull off a narrow 2-1 victory.
It's likely to be a token gesture in the wider title picture this season, but would be a sure-fire sign that Dalglish has his troops marching in the right direction.
Written by Colin Hill, a sports blogger who writes about football gifts.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Preview: Liverpool v Manchester United
That means they have a fully-fit squad, with Glen Johnson, Martin Kelly, Daniel Agger and Fabio Aurelio all available.
United captain Nemanja Vidic may return from the calf strain he suffered on the opening day of the season.
Young England duo Chris Smalling and Tom Cleverley could also be fit after groin and foot injuries respectively.
A time to celebrate anniversaries - and gnash the teeth over old rivalries - as the two most successful sides in English league history collide at a white-hot atmospheric Anfield.
It's a year since John W Henry bought Liverpool and ended the Hicks-Gillett nightmare. The club is already a fair way down the road to redemption, and they'll be roaring for revenge after seeing their record number of titles surpassed by United - who now have 19.
Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is unbeaten in his last five league games against United at Anfield, ever since Sir Alex's first match in charge against Liverpool there on Boxing Day 1986. And Premier League champions United have lost their last three in front of the Kop.
They've also wobbled in too many big away games of late, losing six of their last seven league visits to "big four" rivals. But they're still unbeaten in 12 games and they've only conceded two away league goals. This is the toughest test for both clubs so far.
The scene is set for Stevie Gerrard to start his first league game since he was injured against United in March and, possibly, to score his 50th Premier League goal at Anfield.
Wouldn't it also be typical of Wayne Rooney to make the right sort of headlines with his first Anfield goal in seven visits - and his 10th for the club so far this campaign?
But what of potential sub-plots? Will Andy Carroll's power in the air settle it? Will Nemanja Vidic return to add experience to United's defence - or will he suffer a fourth sending off against Liverpool? Big questions! Big game! Big rivals! Bring it on!
- United have lost their last three Premier League visits to Anfield, not winning since a 1-0 victory in December 2007 when Carlos Tevez scored. This is the club's longest run of defeats at Liverpool under Sir Alex Ferguson - and the longest since losing seven from 1972-79.
- But United have the edge over Liverpool in terms of overall league victories, by 71 wins to 61. The two clubs first met in 1895 - in the old division two - when the Merseyside club romped to a 7-1 win.
- There have been four red cards in the last four Premier League meetings at Anfield - three for Manchester United, one for Liverpool.
- Draws are rare in this league fixture's recent history. The last one came 12 matches back, a 0-0 encounter at Anfield in September 2005.
Liverpool
- Liverpool have won six of nine matches in all competitions so far this season, drawing once and scoring 15 goals so far.
- They have had more possession than their opponents in six of their seven league matches this season, the exception being the 4-0 loss at Tottenham when they were reduced to nine men.
- Steven Gerrard has scored four Premier League goals in this fixture - the most of any current Liverpool player. He is two short of Robbie Fowler's six-goal record.
- Dirk Kuyt scored only the second-ever Premier League hat-trick by a player against Manchester United in Liverpool's 3-1 victory in March.
Manchester United
- Premier League leaders and reigning champions Manchester United are unbeaten in 11 league and cup games so far this season - scoring 34 goals in the process.
- And United are up to their old tricks again - the period of league matches in which they are most prolific is the last five minutes. So far, they have scored on five occasions during this time period.
- United's Liverpool-born former Everton striker Wayne Rooney has failed to score in his last six league visits to Anfield. His only goal in all nine league visits was in United's 1-0 victory in January 2005.
- England international Rooney is the Premier League's top scorer this season, with nine goals.
Vote now! Can Liverpool beat Manchester United at Anfield?
Source: BBC Sport
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Video: It’s just another game
Kenny Dalglish has downplayed Liverpool's game against rivals Manchester United on Saturday by insisting he has no long-term rivalry with fellow Glaswegian Sir Alex Ferguson.
Source: Telegraphtv
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Thursday, October 13, 2011
Video: Messi moonwalking on PES 2012
One of the coolest things about PES 2012 is its animation system and a return to its PS2 roots.
An Easter egg in Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 allows players to perform Michael Jackson's famous moonwalk as one of their celebration moves. To make your players moonwalk, simply edit one of your players, head over to the movements screen and choose Celebration "91". Your player will perform the famous move whenever he scores a goal.
Source: GameRanx
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Wednesday, October 12, 2011
My Favourite Liverpool Players
I just thought I would write an article on some of the players that have been favourites of mine over the years. There has been so many since I started supporting this great club since about 1982. Everybody has their own favourites and I hope you can relate to some of mine. This is my list of players in no particular order.
Kenny Dalglish – Well I think he is most supporters’ favourite, and he is the reason I started supporting Liverpool. He was just an amazing player, I loved the way he shielded the ball from defenders and his vision and passing was just the best. For not being the quickest he certainly made up for it with his brain thinking quicker than anybody else. A great finisher too, where he never seemed to blast a shot, he always placed his shot, usually in spectacular fashion.
Ian Rush – Probably the greatest finisher our club has seen, amazing goal scoring record. Rush and Dalglish formed a lethal partnership in the 80’s. Rush had great speed which took him into goal scoring positions, but his work rate was unbelievable as he complimented Liverpool’s style of play by defending from the front.
Graeme Souness – A great player and captain of the club who had so much ability with an arrogance about him as he strutted about the midfield like a general marshalling his troops. A terrific passer of the ball and not frightened to put the boot in if things got tough. Nobody got the better of Souness if things got physical. A true Liverpool great.
Mark Lawrenson – I honestly thought he was the best defender in the world at the time when he played with us. He was such a great defender who read the game so well and was a superb tackler. Lawrenson had tremendous speed which helped him retrieve so many situations. He was also very good at springing an attack and venturing forward. I would put Lawrenson as my favourite defender.
Alan Hansen – A terrific defender and servant to the club eventually captaining the team to glory. Hansen always looked so casual and under control of the situation. A brilliant reader of the game and the best defender I have seen at bringing the ball out from defence, he started so many attacks for Liverpool with his great ability. Another Liverpool legend.
Phil Neal – A great servant who won more trophies than any other player in our history. But I thought he was such an under rated defender and was so good at going forward. Hardly ever missed a game, holds the record for most consecutive games for the Reds, Mr. Consistency.
Bruce Grobbelaar – A great keeper who could also entertain, sometimes ending up with an odd mistake. But loved by the Kop and he could save the unsavable with his amazing agility. The first keeper I noticed that could spring an attack with his quick release from hand or foot. Great memories highlighted by his antics in Rome.
John Barnes- Second only to Kenny as my favourite player of all time, in his prime he was amazing with his speed and control tying defenders in knots before scoring spectacular goals. Created so many chances with his creative play from the wing and also when he played more central. Had to change his game later in his career after injury reduced his speed, he enjoyed a new role in the centre of midfield in which he thrived on spraying passes around and rarely losing possession.
Steve McMahon – I know he played with Everton but he turned out to be a great player for us, I loved his energy and drive he showed in the midfield, he could weigh in with a few goals too. He was an important player for us in the engine room of that great side of the eighties.
John Aldridge – A great striker who lived out his dream by signing for Liverpool. Slotted into the side with ease with the likes of Barnes, Beardsley and Houghton signing around the same time. Aldridge thrived on the attacking style of the team and was a fans’ favourite.
Steve McManaman – A tremendously talented player with great dribbling ability. I loved it when he went on one of his dribbles. His goals always seemed spectacular. Sorry when he left us, but I was still pleased for him with the success he enjoyed at Madrid.
Robbie Fowler – I’m sure he is on every supporters list. One of the greatest finishers ever. He such an ability for scoring goals, he could score goals from anywhere. Should have won many more England caps. It was great to see him return to us for a second spell. He will always be remembered fondly at Liverpool.
Sami Hyypia – A classy defender who was a great servant. A great reader of the game, not the quickest but great positional sense. Sami was also dominant in the air and could weigh in with a few goals.
Gary McAllister – Came to the club in the twilight of his career, and what an impact he made. In my view he was the player of the season in our famous treble winning season of 2001. He was so instrumental and what about that goal against Everton . Wish we had him here longer.
Jamie Carragher – I just love him for his attitude and desire to win. Jamie has been a great servant to the club and long may he continue. He has been so important for us playing in various positions over the years, but always gives 100% and puts his body on the line for the team.
Steven Gerrard – A superb player, all time great. Has carried this team for years. Who can forget his rallying cry after scoring in Istanbul, then the amazing FA Cup final against West Ham which once again dragged us from the clutches of defeat. Gerrard showed his commitment to the club when Chelsea looked to sign him. I only put Kenny and John Barnes ahead of him.
Luis Suarez – I have to put him on my list already, such an impact he has made in such a short space of time. Such ability and his work rate is unbelievable. Suarez is loved already by the Kop. Such an exciting player.
These are the players that have stood out for me over the years. I’m sure I’ll add to this list in the future as the future is looking bright.
Written by Jamie McLaughlin, who blogs at The Liverword
