After allegations of drunken high-jinxs on Liverpool’s final night at their Portugese training camp, the club released an official statement on behalf of manager Rafa Benitez earlier today.
The statement from Rafa read:
“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.”
According to a report from a Portugese newspaper, Jermaine Pennant, Jerzy Dudek, Robbie Fowler and Craig Bellamy were named as being involved in some sort of ‘drunken spree’ at the Portugese training camp.
Apparently around 20 members of the squad had gone to Monty’s bar, in Vale do Lobo, after the final team meal on Thursday night. Despite reports that have been pounced upon by the English media – witnesses claim the party was fairly tame. The extent of the damage has been – one broken glass – believed to have been dropped by Jerzy Dudek (!).
Is this an attempt by the anti-Liverpool media to unsettle the squad before the Barcelona trip?
Is there any “truth” in anything that rag says?! It’s normally just hearsay to sell papers.
The news of the world claimed bellamy in a drunken rage set upon risse with a golf club and batterded him. Is there any truth in that?