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Posts Tagged ‘future’

• It’s something we’ve done in the past, says chief executive
• Liverpool want Evra ban if race claim is groundless

The Professional Footballers’ Association chief executive, Gordon Taylor, has offered to act as a mediator in the Luis Suárez-Patrice Evra race row.

The Football Association is investigating a complaint from the Manchester United defender, who accused the Liverpool striker Suárez of racially abusing him during Saturday’s Premier League game at Anfield. Suárez said he is “upset” by the allegation, which he has categorically denied.

Speaking at the Professional Players Federation (PPF) annual conference on Monday, Taylor said he would be prepared to mediate if necessary. “It’s something we’ve done in the past and it’s something I hope we’ll be asked to do in the future,” Taylor said. “We need to try to cool down and reflect on what happened and to contact the FA and see what form their inquiry will take.

“It’s good to get this put behind us as quickly as possible, instead of letting these things fester and become blown up again. It’s very disappointing to have two of our players from different countries at odds over a very serious issue. Only by having a full inquiry on such matters can we get to the bottom of it and try to make sure that such problems don’t arise again in the future.”

The PPF’s chairman, Brendon Batson, a campaigner for greater black- and minority-representation in the game, said: “Obviously something has gone on to the extent that Evra made a complaint, and I know that Suárez has denied making any comment. For the good of the game, and for the reputation of the players involved and the clubs involved, we need to get to the bottom of it.”

Evra made an accusation of racism three years ago against a member of Chelsea’s groundstaff, a claim that was ultimately dismissed.

Batson is confident the authorities treated every allegation “seriously”. He added: “It’s on the evidence that’s available. I know the referee didn’t hear it but he included it in is his report because of the complaint from Evra. Whatever investigation is going to be done has to be thorough and very transparent as well.”

The Kick It Out chairman, Lord Herman Ouseley, believes any footballer guilty of racism must face “severe action” from both the FA and the club but stressed “you would have to be able to prove it beyond reasonable doubt”.

Ironically the allegations have arisen at the start of Kick It Out’s One Game, One Community campaign which runs until 31 October and features, among other fixtures, Liverpool’s home match with Norwich this weekend. The programme is part of a simultaneous initiative across the continent with Football Against Racism in Europe’s Action Week, with this week’s matches in the Champions League and Europa League being used as a basis for activities at 40 locations.

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• Goalkeeper claims to ‘believe in this club, in the project’
• Damien Comolli’s promise of player arrivals sways Reina

José Reina has revealed the promise of significant investment at Liverpool this summer allayed his concerns over the direction of the club and convinced him to remain part of Kenny Dalglish’s rebuilding plans.

The future of Liverpool’s influential goalkeeper has been a genuine concern inside Anfield for several months, with the 28-year-old voicing reservations similar to those from Fernando Torres before his £50m departure to Chelsea.

Reina secured a £20m release clause when he renewed his Liverpool contract last summer, amid interest from Arsenal, but despite the absence of Champions League football at Anfield next season he has been hugely encouraged by the impact of Dalglish and Fenway Sports Group’s decision to hand the Liverpool manager a three-year

• Goalkeeper says he has no thoughts of leaving
• ‘We are heading in the right direction under Dalglish’

The Liverpool goalkeeper, Pepe Reina, says his future is at Anfield and believes the club is heading in the “right direction” under the management of Kenny Dalglish.

When Dalglish, who yesterday signed a three-year contract to become permanent manager, was brought in on an initial temporary basis in January to replace the sacked Roy Hodgson, the situation at Anfield looked bleak. Liverpool were 12th in the Premier League, only four points above the relegation zone.

Fernando Torres then secured his £50million transfer to Chelsea, and it appeared his Spain team-mate Reina would be next out of the door.

But, in just over four months, the 28-year-old goalkeeper has been persuaded by results on the pitch and a change in atmosphere he can still fulfil his ambitions at Anfield.

“I am looking forward to next season. I have always said [that] – of course there was a bit of doubt back in December and January because we were not even close to where we are now,” said Reina.

“We have had excellent news on Kenny’s contract, Steve Clarke’s [who also signed a three-year deal] and all of the technical staff. We are heading in the right direction and we are optimistic.

“I think by making the right steps and taking them, we can all see the difference between now and then.

“That’s why we are now optimistic about the future and are looking forward.”

Liverpool are now fifth in the table and victory over Tottenham on Sunday at Anfield will secure Europa League football for next season.

Liverpool’s recent form has prompted talk of Liverpool being able to mount a title challenge next season – a scenario which would have been met with ridicule at the turn of the year.

Reina is confident they will improve but will not get carried away.

“We have to be calm because we know how hard it is to compete with the big teams out there,” he added.

“Fifth position is not the one that belongs to Liverpool, we aim higher and hopefully next season we can finish higher.

“We are all looking forward to next season, but we have to finish the job on Sunday.

“By winning we will mathematically be sure of fifth and that is our target – to beat Tottenham, make sure we get into Europe for next season and then get some rest, which I think we deserve as well.”

LiverpoolKenny Dalglishguardian.co.uk