Monday Football

29 December 2008

by Jerrad Peters

 

Gerrard arrested after late-night brawl

 

They take their music seriously in Liverpool. The city that launched The Beatles into superstardom has also produced two of footballs more startling crescendos in recent years. Two years ago it was Craig Bellamy taking a swipe at teammate John Arne Riise with a golf club after the latter refused to sing a particular number at a karaoke bar in Barcelona. And early Monday morning, Steven Gerrard was arrested on suspicion of assault after a Southport DJ was admitted to hospital with facial injuries. It seems the poor bloke wouldn't spin a certain tune.

"Merseyside Police is investigating an assault that took place in the early hours of Monday, December 29 on Bold Street in Southport," commented a police spokesman. "At around 2:30 this morning, officers attended a disturbance at a licensed premises on Bold Street. Six men were arrested on suspicion of Section 20 assault on Lord Street. The men—four aged 33, 31, 29 and 19, who all come from the Huyton area, a 28-year-old man from Formby and an 18-year-old man from Litherland—remain in police custody. A 34-year-old man from Southport was taken to hospital with facial injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening."

Gerrard—the 28-year-old—had been out with friends when a brawl began at Lounge Inn. He had just returned from Newcastle, where his two goals propelled the Reds to a 5-1 win at St. James' Park. Broken glass and traces of blood were clearly evident Lounge Inn this morning, and the restaurant did not open as scheduled at lunchtime.

Liverpool Football club have yet to comment on the matter. The squad is currently preparing for Saturday's F.A. Cup tilt with Preston while their captain remains in custody.

 

Jewell resigns Derby post

 

Paul Jewell walked out on Derby County, Monday, just 13 months after replacing Billy Davies as manager at Pride Park. A 1-0 loss at home to Ipswich proved the final straw for the 44-year-old. He leaves the club at 18^th place in the Championship, with just seven wins from 26 matches.

"It's disappointing," admitted Rams chairman Adam Pearson. "We had a chat after the game and Paul felt it was in the best interests if the club went in a different direction. He added, "I think he felt things were conspiring against him and perhaps he just needed a fresh chapter."

Jewell's tenure at Derby included a winless run of 24 matches in the Premier League that resulted in a record low 11 points.  The club is currently just five points above Doncaster Rovers and the relegation zone in English football's second tier.