Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 31 December 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Gerrard receives Benitez backing
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez says Steven Gerrard has his "full support and support" following his captain after the arrest of an alleged brawl.

Gerrard was charged with assault and affray after an incident in a bar in Southport in the early hours of Monday.

Benitez said: "I sat with him and had a very good talk about the situation. We will do what we can to support Steven in the coming weeks. "

Benitez also confirmed that Gerrard, 28, took part in training Wednesday.

Gerrard was arrested with five other men - including two facing the same charges that Heath - near the hostel Lounge bar and nightclub in the resort.

Benitez added: "Steven told me what had happened and I told him he has my full support and support, as well as everyone in the football club.

"It is formed with other guys, after a couple of days off to the team and is now keen to concentrate solely on football. He is our captain and a key player for us.

"We worked very hard to get the position we are through the new year and we are all determined to keep the progress going. We now focus on our preparation for the Cup game at Preston this weekend. "

Professional footballers Association Chief Executive Gordon Taylor said: "We have a brief comment on this matter and suggested that any assistance we can. I was worried when I heard about the case as I've known Steven Gerrard long.

"I do not know all the details but the players' Union, we want to be supportive of him."

England arrived in midfield Liverpool's training ground in the suburb of West Derby AT 1005 GMT and was greeted by a handful of fans despite freezing temperatures.

It has so far remained silent on the controversy on Tuesday and his wife Alex Curran, 26, said they would not comment.

Gerrard's visit to the bar on Sunday followed Liverpool 5-1 demolition of Newcastle at St James' Park, a game in which England international scored twice, as the reds moved three points clear of Chelsea at the top of the Premier League .

At 34, the man was taken to hospital with facial injuries after the alleged incident. Gerrard is to appear at North Sefton Magistrates' Court, with two other men on January 23.

The Football Association said it would not make a comment on the case Gerrard other than to stress that his position with England was not in question.

She added that the players continue to be considered for England while police investigations were under way with their situation reviewed on a case by case are to be found guilty of a serious criminal offense.

Meanwhile, Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish believes Gerrard will face the review, saying: "Liverpool will support and the Liverpool fans supporting him extremely well. He has a very strong personality and I am sure it will not affect its performance.

A statement from Liverpool, published Tuesday, read: "Steven has been an outstanding servant of Liverpool in the last 10 years and the club will give him all the support he needs at this time."

Gerrard has been capped 70 times by England captain and his country four times. He was appointed MBE last year and received an honorary fellowship from Liverpool John Moores University.
by bbcnews.