Liverpool and the English FA are on collision course after the 84th minute injury sustained by Steven Gerrard in last night’s England defeat to France.
Liverpool fans, and the Head of Fitness Darren Burgess, were furious at the FA after they had agreed with the coach to play Gerrard for a maximum of an hour in the meaningless friendly.
The first half England captain, Rio Ferdinand, was withdrawn at half time after complaining of a tight hamstring and it is this decision that is believed to have led to Capello breaking a gentleman’s agreement with Liverpool FC.
Liverpool’s head of fitness had tweeted:
“Unbelievable from all associated with England and English FA with regard to SGs injury. Completely ignored agreement and past history,” said Burgess.
“Completely amateurish and now we pay for their incompetence. Absolutely disgraceful.”
Although for some reason he later removed his comments.
Meanwhile Capello was adamant:
“I told Liverpool he would play for an hour if possible.
“With Gareth Barry and Rio Ferdinand’s injuries we needed a senior player on the pitch. I’m upset about Gerrard.”
“They asked that he can play one hour if it’s possible. They can’t decide how long a player plays with the national team. If it’s possible, he’d have played an hour.
“I understand why they’re upset and I’m also upset. The problem is that, when you play this game on Wednesday after a lot of Premier League, Europa League or Champions League games, it’s possible there might be an injury for a player.
“The Premier League, every time, is a tough league for the players.”
Liverpool are currently assessing the players injury, however questions will continue to be asked about the importance of international friendlies, and about England’s medical staff and the warming up and training procedures employed with the national side.