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The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has revealed that former chief constable Sir Norman Bettison would

2013-03-28T14:33:00.001+00:00

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has revealed that former chief constable Sir Norman Bettison would have a case to answer for gross misconduct regarding his dealings with his police authority following the publication of a damning report on the Hillsborough disaster if he was still a serving officer.

Sir Norman Bettison has always denied any wrongdoing

Sir Norman, who has always denied any wrongdoing, attempted to influence public perception as the West Yorkshire Police Authority was deciding whether to refer him to the IPCC following the Hillsborough Independent Panel report last year, the commission concluded.

The IPCC said: "While it was evident Sir Norman made no attempt to prevent the referral happening, the IPCC investigation concluded that he attempted to manipulate the public perception of the referral process for his own self-interest.''

The commission said its finding would justify Sir Norman's dismissal if he was still a serving chief constable, while adding that it independently investigated his actions in relation to the process by which complaints about his involvement in the aftermath of the Hillsborough disaster were referred to the commission.

"The IPCC concluded Sir Norman had a case to answer for discreditable conduct and abuse of authority, breaches which, if proven in a disciplinary hearing, would amount to gross misconduct as they would justify dismissal," the IPCC said in a statement on Thursday.

"However, as Sir Norman left the police service in October 2012 he cannot face a disciplinary hearing in which the evidence could be tested. Instead, the IPCC is publishing its findings for the public to judge.''

However, lawyers for Sir Norman said that the way the IPCC conducted its inquiry "calls into question the fairness of such a process''.

An investigation into Sir Norman's conduct in the period following the 1989 disaster, when he was involved in South Yorkshire Police's inquiry into what happened, is still ongoing.

IPCC deputy chair Deborah Glass said: "The Hillsborough disaster and its aftermath have become synonymous in the public consciousness with allegations of police attempts to cover up the truth, manipulate messages and deflect blame. Sir Norman is facing investigation in relation to allegations that he played a key part in this.

"We do not pre-judge the findings of that investigation. However, given the effect that those allegations have had on the public perception of him and policing generally, his attempts to manipulate and manage the perception of the referral of complaints about him, for his own self-interest, is particularly concerning. It is also conduct that falls far short of what should be expected of any chief constable.

"It was the IPCC's view at the start of the investigation, as it was the view of his Police Authority, that Sir Norman's actions, if proven, fell so far short of what is expected of a chief constable that dismissal would be justified. The evidence uncovered during the investigation supports that view. While we cannot bring this case to misconduct proceedings, we can publish the evidence and our conclusions, so that the public can judge for themselves. This case should also serve as a salutary reminder to chief officers everywhere of how much public confidence in policing is damaged when the conduct of leaders is called into question.''

Sir Norman resigned from his role as chief inspector with South Yorkshire Police in October, saying it was because the controversy had become a "distraction to policing in West Yorkshire''.

His involvement in the Hillsborough inquiry has provoked a number of allegations and criticism from the families of those who died which has followed him during his career, including a stint as the chief constable of Merseyside.

Following the publication of the Hillsborough Independent Panel Report last year, Sir Norman was referred to the IPCC over claims that he gave misleading information in the wake of the tragedy and that he tried to influence West Yorkshire Police Authority's decision-making process in relation to the referral.

Information from the Press Association was used in this report

Experienced Liverpool pair Pepe Reina and Jamie Carragher are both in contention for a return to action against Aston Villa on Sunday.

2013-03-28T14:23:00.001+00:00

Experienced Liverpool pair Pepe Reina and Jamie Carragher are both in contention for a return to action against Aston Villa on Sunday.

Jamie Carragher and Pepe Reina both missed Liverpool's 3-1 defeat to Southampton

First-choice goalkeeper Reina has missed the Reds' last two games with a calf problem while veteran defender Carragher was ruled out of the defeat at Southamptonearlier this month with a shin injury.

Reina has since been on the bench for Spain's internationals against Finland last week and France on Tuesday.

First-team coach Mike Marsh told the club's official website: "They're both available for selection, so it's a possibility.''

Liverpool have reported no fresh injury concerns following the latest round of international fixtures.

Marsh said: "We seem to have come through unscathed. We've got one or two players missing who are flying back from international duty.

"They will arrive back tomorrow, they will still be in recovery and hopefully they will train on Friday.'

Jamie Carragher insists he has proved his doubters wrong

2013-03-28T14:21:00.000+00:00

Jamie Carragher insists he has proved his doubters wrong by becoming a Liverpool regular under Brendan Rodgers.

Jamie Carragher joined Liverpool as a youngster in 1990

Carragher, 35, faced a fight to win a place in the side after Rodgers arrived as manager in June, and made just one Premier League start before Christmas.

Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel were the first-choice central defensive partnership during the first half of the season, with Carragher restricted largely to starts in the Europa League and Capital One Cup.

There were questions raised as to whether the former England defender would fit in under the Rodgers regime, but he has responded positively.

Carragher has been a regular in the starting line-up since January, and is looking to continue his run in the side through to the end of the season, when he will retire.

He told the Liverpool Echo: "At the start of the season I was aware that some people were saying I wouldn't suit Rodgers' style of football. But I think I have put that to bed in the last few games I have played.

"I think I've played well this season, without blowing my own trumpet. Even earlier in the season when I was playing in Europe and in the Capital One Cup, I was quite pleased with how I performed. Hopefully I can carry that through to the end of the season."

Brendan Rodgers has given Jordan Henderson reassurance

2013-03-26T15:31:00.000+00:00

Brendan Rodgers has given Jordan Henderson reassurance by insisting that can always rely on the Liverpool midfielder.

Jordan Henderson is under pressure for his place

Henderson is fighting to win back his place at Anfield after being left out of Rodgers' starting line-up for the last four league matches. The England Under-21 captain's form has picked up in recent months, having made a slow start to life on Merseyside following a £16 million move from Sunderland in the summer of 2011.

At one stage, he looked to be on his way out of Anfield, having been offered to Fulham last summer as part of an unsuccessful bid to bring in Clint Dempsey.

Henderson has fought his way back into the side since then, but has not started a Premier League game since February 11, having been restricted to substitute appearances against Swansea, Wigan, Tottenham and Southampton.

Rodgers insists that his decision to drop the 22-year-old was tactical, and based on a wish to pick teams best suited to coping in those matches, rather than any reflection on his performances. And he has given Henderson hope that he can regain his place when Liverpool's league campaign resumes at Aston Villa on Sunday.

Rodgers told the Liverpool Echo: "It's just the balance and it depends on the opponent. "But Jordan has been excellent, he's a good player, he's improving tactically all the time and I know if I need to call on him he will be ready."

Blackpool midfielder Tom Ince, meanwhile, insists that he was never close to rejoining Liverpool in January.

Ince, who left Anfield for Bloomfield Road in August 2011, was one of Rodgers' main targets at the time, with the Liverpool manager lining up a £4 million bid. But the two clubs could not agree a deal and Ince stayed at Blackpool, where his father Paul has since taken over as manager.

Ince, named the Football League's Young Player of the Year on Sunday night, said: "I don't think any of the moves were close. It's great having that speculation and it's very flattering. To have teams of that magnitude saying you're a decent player, it gives me a smile and flatters me a lot.

"For me though it's about putting my faith in Blackpool because without that club, my team-mates and the fans I wouldn't be Football League Young Player of the Year and the player I am now.

"My dream is to play at the top level and to achieve my ambitions, but it's all about timing and patience, so when you get to the top you are ready to go and not jumping too soon."

Brad Jones has said he has played in more Liverpool first-team games

2013-03-26T15:28:00.000+00:00

Brad Jones has said he has played in more Liverpool first-team games than he expected this season - as he prepared to return to the bench.

Brad Jones: Has deputised for Reina this season

Jones, 31, has played in the Merseysiders' last two Premier League games because first-choice goalkeeper Pepe Reina has been out with a calf injury.

Those appearances took his tally for the season to 15, a huge increase for a 'keeper who played only four times in his first two years at Anfield after arriving from Middlesbrough in August 2010.

The Australia international rarely featured under Roy Hodgson or Kenny Dalglish, but Brendan Rodgers has sought to use him more often in cup competitions.

Reina's struggles with injuries at various stages of the season have given Jones the chance to play seven times in the league.

But with the Spain international fit again, he is likely to be back on the bench when Liverpool visit Aston Villa on Sunday.

Jones told the Liverpool Daily Post: "To have had 15 appearances is probably more than I would have thought I'd have got at the start of the season.

"I feel as though, in the majority of them, I have performed fairly well, so I'm happy.

"Obviously circumstances dictate when I am going to get those games and things like that, but I am more than happy to have had those games.

"I wouldn't mind a few more, but I think it's been a decent season, all in all."

Lucas Leiva has said he nearly left Liverpool in 2010

2013-03-25T14:23:00.000+00:00

Lucas Leiva has said he nearly left Liverpool in 2010 and believes former Anfield boss Roy Hodgson signed Christian Poulsen to replace him in midfield.

Lucas Leiva: A vital cog in Liverpool's midfield

The Brazil international, bought by Rafa Benitez in 2007, felt his days on Merseyside were numbered after the Spaniard left and Hodgson arrived to replace him.

Hodgson brought in Poulsen, who had played for him at Copenhagen, but the Dane only lasted a year at Anfield - whereas Lucas was named Liverpool's Player of the Season in 2010-11.

Lucas told Liverpool's official website: "I felt as though it was almost the end for me at the club. I nearly left.

"I knew they were looking for players. They signed Christian Poulsen at the time, and that was a message for me that I was not really in their plans."

The midfielder had the chance to move to Serie A but said his Liverpool career was revived when Kenny Dalglish took over from Hodgson.

He explained: "I was really close to leaving to go to Italy. For some reason I did not go, I stayed. After a few games, I got my place back in the team and I started to play a bit more.

"Then Kenny came in. I really started to play with a lot of confidence, and at the end of the year I was voted Player of the Season by the fans. So that moment was very important."

Lucas signed for Liverpool at the age of 20 and said he was too young for such a big move.

He struggled to win over the Anfield crowd in his first three years in England and added: "For me to come here and to try to get into the team competing against [Steven] Gerrard, [Xabi] Alonso, [Javier] Mascherano and [Momo] Sissoko was very hard.

"I left Brazil in a really good situation and here I was sometimes not even on the bench. It was a difficult period for me, but I think it was worth it. Today, I realise how important it was for me to have that struggle because it taught me to work hard.

"I was very young coming over from Brazil to Liverpool, a massive club. I knew about the pressure - but it was more than I thought, and today I can see I was not ready. It was just a process. It was hard but I had to get on with it and be patient."

Daniel Sturridge has admitted he did not fulfil his ambitions at Chelsea

2013-03-24T16:36:00.000+00:00

Daniel Sturridge has admitted he did not fulfil his ambitions at Chelsea, even though the Blues won the Champions League last season.

Daniel Sturridge has become a first-team regular at Liverpool

And the England international said he now feels at home at Liverpool and has stopped worrying about his future.

Sturridge was a regular for Chelsea during Andre Villas-Boas' reign but lost his place after Roberto Di Matteo took over and was an unused substitute in both the FA Cup and the Champions League final.

Much of his first-team football came either as a substitute or a right winger whereas he has been an automatic choice as a striker for Liverpool since his £12 million move in January.

He told the club's official website: "I had success [at Chelsea]. We won trophies and I have medals but in terms of my own individual ambitions, I didn't get to fulfil them.

"Hopefully here, now I'm at a club that believes in me with a manager who believes in me, I can give the fans something to smile about."

Sturridge explained that manager Brendan Rodgers had told him that playing for Liverpool is special.

He added: "What the manager said to me when I first joined is that words don't describe it. You have to be here and be a part of it to understand. When I joined I immediately realised what he meant.

"I don't think I could tell someone - you just have to be here and a part of it to understand the feeling. I've enjoyed every minute since I joined the club. It's been a great time here for me and I'm enjoying part of the future here.

"I get on with every player - everyone's been great. I feel like this is my home now. I don't have any worries about the future."

Philippe Coutinho has set his sights on staying at Liverpool

2013-03-24T16:33:00.001+00:00

Philippe Coutinho has set his sights on staying at Liverpool for a long time and making a major impression for his new club.

Phillippe Coutinho has made an instant impact at Liverpool

Coutinho feels believes his time in Italy and Spain has helped him adapt to the Premier League so quickly. The Brazilian winger joined Liverpool from Inter Milan in the January transfer window and has made an immediate impact with two goals and two assists in his last four league games.

And while he is finding English football faster than the continental game, he believes his time at Inter and a loan spell at Espanyol last season prepared him well for life at Liverpool.

"Things have gone really well for me here so far," Coutinho told the Liverpool Echo. "Maybe because I played in Italy and spent six months in Spain last season that has helped me adapt more quickly to English football.

"Also I must thank my team-mates as they have helped me a lot with my first few games. Everyone has made me feel so welcome.

He added: "The games are quicker and more physical but I like that. I am learning all the time.

"Every player wants to improve and get better and I am the same. I am still young and have so much still to learn.

"I hope to be here for many years and become a big player for Liverpool. I will continue to work hard and do my best to improve my performances and help Liverpool."

England Under-21 coach Brian Eastick believes Raheem Sterling

2013-03-24T16:28:00.002+00:00

England Under-21 coach Brian Eastick believes Raheem Sterling is benefiting from Brendan Rodgers' decision to rest him at Liverpool.

Raheem Sterling has committed his long-term future to Liverpool

Sterling, 18, has enjoyed a fantastic breakthrough season and made his senior England debut in November, before signing a lucrative long-term deal at Anfield the following month.

He has already made 35 appearances for the Reds to date this campaign but has not featured for over a month after manager Rodgers noticed the teenager was becoming jaded.

It was a move that has seemingly paid dividends, with the winger looking rejuvenated in England Under-21's 3-0 defeat of Romania on Thursday night.

"He was very good," Eastick said. "Brendan has obviously rested him a little bit recently. He hasn't played a great deal of football of late so getting a game under his belt with benefit him.

"He is a talented player and I think possibly that rest has helped. Brendan felt he had to take him out of the firing line a little bit at Liverpool.

"He is a very young player and people forget how young he is. You do need to rest players at the right time. Possibly it has done him a little bit of good and he enjoyed his game against Romania. His performance was very good."

Steven Gerrard believes that youngster Raheem Sterling has everything he needs to become a great at the club.

2012-10-22T16:11:00.001+01:00

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard believes that youngster Raheem Sterling has everything he needs to become a great at the club.

Raheem Sterling scores for Liverpool against Reading

Sterling, 17, who has become a first-team regular this season, scored his first senior goal as Reading were beaten 1-0 at Anfield on Saturday.

It was the latest step in the remarkable rise of the teenager, who has become one of the most exciting prospects in English football since making his debut for Liverpool in March.

He is also making rapid strides at international level. Having started the season in the England Under-19 set-up, Sterling made his Under-21 debut less than two weeks ago, and is in the frame to win his first full cap in a friendly against Sweden next month.

And Gerrard, 32, says he has been amazed by the progress of the winger, whose goal on Saturday made him the second youngest goalscorer in the club's history.

"I think Raheem has been a great surprise to everyone," Gerrard told the Liverpool Echo. "Not that he's doing so well at this level - as we always knew he was going to be good enough to play for the first team - but I don't think anyone expected him to break through so early.

"When they are young and small sometimes they get eased in towards the end of a season to give them a taste. But the new manager has come in, seen what he's done in pre-season and said 'yeah, he's ready now'.

"He's given him his chance and Raheem's not let anyone down. He's been sensational so far.

"We all know he's exciting, that he can run at players and if he gets in one on one situations he's deadly. If he can add goals and assists to his game as he grows then he can go all the way to the top."

Brendan Rodgers was full of praise for Luis Suarez despite the striker's failure to convert one of his myriad chances against Reading.

2012-10-22T16:09:00.002+01:00

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers was full of praise for Luis Suarez despite the striker's failure to convert one of his myriad chances against Reading.

Luis Suarez was guilty of missing a glut of chances against Reading

Suarez, 25, provided the assist for Raheem Sterling's winning goal in the 1-0 victory at Anfield but was guilty of missing several opportunities, with nine of his ten attempts on goal not even hitting the target.

However, Rodgers refused to criticise his forward, insisting that there is nothing wrong with Suarez's strike rate.

"He's not perfect but he has got a great return if you look at his stats, when he was at Ajax and since he has come into here," Rodgers said.

"But there is no doubt he will want to be more clinical. But going forward we will want to get more players who take the load off him."

Rodgers praised Suarez for his determination to play, four days after appearing at altitude in Bolivia for Uruguay, and despite sustaining a dead leg in a challenge by Reading's Kaspars Gorkss on the stroke of half-time.

"He didn't want to come off," Rodgers said. "He is an incredible character. He created opportunities for himself. A terrific performance from him. He kept going, kept getting into good positions and will be disappointed he didn't score."

The Northern Irish boss also praised Sterling, who opened his account for the club at the age of 17 years, 317 days. Only Michael Owen, in 1997, has scored for Liverpool at a younger age.

"It was a wonderful finish and he is a terrific talent," Rodgers added. "He has a good head on young shoulders."

Suso has committed his future to Liverpool after signing a new long-term contract.

2012-10-22T16:08:00.000+01:00

Suso has committed his future to Liverpool after signing a new long-term contract.

Suso Santana (l) is mobbed by his team mates after scoring for Hearts

The Spaniard, 18, moved to Anfield in 2010 from hometown club Cadiz and has impressed this season after being promoted to the first-team squad by Brendan Rodgers.

After signing the contract, Suso told the club's official site: "I am really happy. Liverpool are one of the biggest clubs in the world and this is the right place for me.

"I am happy Brendan has shown trust in me. I had no questions about signing a new deal and I am really glad to have done so.

"I am comfortable here. I have played some games for the first team and I hope to continue doing that, but I need to work hard every day for that to happen. This is one of the best days of my life."

Rodgers has singled out Suso's emergence as a symbol of what the club's academy system is trying to achieve. "We are all delighted Suso has committed his long-term future to Liverpool Football Club," he said.

"At 18, he has demonstrated outstanding technical qualities but also shown very good temperament to play for such a prestigious club. His commitment is very good news for all our young Academy players and the excellent work taken place by the Academy coaches and staff."

Suso is one of a number of youthful prospects to break through into Liverpool's first-team squad this season alongside Andre Wisdom, Raheem Sterling and Jack Robinson.

Information from the Press Association was used in this report.

Brendan Rodgers insists the club can qualify for next season's Champions League

2012-10-07T04:14:00.000+01:00

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insists the club can qualify for next season's Champions League if they cut out their defensive mistakes.

Brendan Rodgers is confident in his side's ability

Rodgers accused his players of losing concentration and becoming lazy after the 3-2 defeat at home to Udinese in the Europa League on Thursday.

The Reds have also suffered a stuttering start to their Premier League campaign, sitting 14th with just one win after six games.

However, despite their setbacks, the former Swansea boss has echoed captain Steven Gerrard's claims that they can finish in the Premier League's top four this season.

Asked if he agreed with Gerrard, Rodgers said: "Yes, absolutely - 100 per cent. There is no doubt it is going to be very difficult for us, but that is our fight."

Liverpool go into Sunday's Premier League home match against Stoke having yet to keep a clean sheet and letting in 12 goals in the process. Only QPR, Norwich and Southampton have conceded more.

In addition, Liverpool have conceded three times in both of their Europa League group matches, beating Young Boys 5-3 in Switzerland before the Udinese defeat.

Rodgers admitted that Thursday's defeat, coming five days after a convincing 5-2 Premier League win at Norwich, had frustrated him.

"We had been so dominant against Udinese and the players were outstanding, so I was just frustrated for them that we had let them back in the game, and then ultimately came out of it with nothing," he said.

"The players give everything and we are just working very hard to cut out the mistakes, because I think once we cut them out, we can be a real force as a team. The creativity in our team is improving every day and there is real excitement in the team going forward.

"If we can just cut out the mistakes that unfortunately we are getting punished for, then I believe we can do very well. We have great quality here, the players are very much unified and there is a wonderful spirit in the group.

"Even though we are frustrated with last night's result, our performance in the league last time out was fantastic, so we will look to carry that into the weekend's game. There is still a very long season ahead of us, we are starting to get to grips with how we work as a team and I'm sure that will bring us good results."

Tony Pulis believes his Stoke City side are in for another stern examination at Liverpool on Sunday

2012-10-07T04:07:00.000+01:00

Tony Pulis believes his Stoke City side are in for another stern examination at Liverpool on Sunday, despite the Reds' Europa League defeat on Thursday.

Tony Pulis takes Stoke to Liverpool

The Potters manager watched the game against Udinese and will return to Merseyside with a squad containing Liverpool old boys Michael Owen, Peter Crouch and Charlie Adam.

He said: "I thought they were very unfortunate last night. They were in complete control and played really well. But scoring just after half-time gave Udinese a real lift.

"We have a job to do in a difficult game. Liverpool have top, top players. We will show the people of that great football club total respect.

"Their supporters were brilliant again last night and are a credit to their club."

Stoke travel to Manchester United after the international break, and Pulis added: "If we can get something out of the next two games, it will be a massive bonus."

The Stoke boss is one of the longest-serving in the Premier League, and believes the Liverpool hierarchy must show patience as Brendan Rodgers implements his ideas.

"It's a great club and Brendan is a very lucky guy to have the chance there to take it forward," he said. "He needs backing, which I'm sure they will give him, otherwise they wouldn't have appointed him.

"I can't see why they would give him the job if they didn't want to back the manager. Luckily for me, that's what has happened here with Peter Coates and the rest of the family."

Daniel Agger has signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool.

2012-10-07T04:03:00.001+01:00

Daniel Agger has signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool.

Daniel Agger says he never entertained thoughts of a move away from Liverpool

Agger, 27, had been linked with a move away from Anfield in the summer but has now committed his future to the club he joined from Brondby in 2006.

He told the club's official website: "It means everything to me. This is where I want to be and I'm happy the club want me. I am really happy right now. I've never wanted to go anywhere else. I feel I am a part of this club - and I want to be a part of this club in the future.

"I like the way it is going right now with the style we're playing, and hopefully the results will come soon as well.

"The support from the fans has been unbelievable. The game when they were singing all the songs about me, it was difficult to focus on the game! It was such a good experience for me and I'd never experienced anything like it before.

"That is why I am so happy here. That for me is Liverpool Football Club. I feel I belong here and as long as the manager and the owners want me, I'll be here."

Denmark centre-back Agger has made 177 appearances for Liverpool.

Geoff Cameron hopes to upset mates back home this weekend by helping Stoke win at Anfield

2012-10-07T04:00:00.003+01:00

Geoff Cameron hopes to upset mates back home this weekend by helping Stoke win at Anfield for the first time in over half a century.

United States international Cameron is from Massachusetts and has friends in Boston, the home of the Fenway Sports Group, owners of both Liverpool and the Boston Red Sox baseball team.

The 27-year-old has seen interest in Liverpool grow in his native country because of the John W Henry connection but will be aiming to cause disappoint in New England when the teams meet on Sunday.

"Most of the Liverpool games are shown in Boston these days, so I am sure a bunch of my buddies will be watching," he said. "Being from Boston, I have some affiliation with them but I don't care about that. My focus is here."

Cameron was picked up for £1.6 million from Houston Dynamo in the summer and might have headed for Merseyside instead. Everton were also reported to be interested in signing him before Stoke saw a deal through.

He admits to being surprised how many matches he has already played for his new club - the latest two of them as a stand-in right-back for the suspended Andy Wilkinson.

Central midfield, where he had previously been used by Tony Pulis, or central defence are more familiar roles to him and he fits the Britannia Stadium mould nicely - he's 6ft 3in and can deliver a mean long throw.

"I have just been thrown into it and I'm trying to adjust the best I can," he added. "I think I'm getting better and better. Sometimes things are a little faster but you have to get used to it."

Having recorded their first league win of the season last weekend when they beat Brendan Rodgers' former club Swansea, Stoke now face the Ulsterman's current club, who themselves have just picked up three points for the first time in 2012-13.

"I think it was a big win for us," Cameron said. "Obviously we played some tough teams before, so to finally get the three points is a big step and it gives us some momentum.

"They won, too (at Norwich), so we have both got some momentum. I think we frustrated Swansea. We can't expect Liverpool to be exactly the same but there are definite similarities. We have to go there with the frame of mind that we can beat them. Every team are beatable."

History is against Stoke. Their last win at Anfield in any competition was a 4-3 Second Division success in 1958-59.

The football fan who sent an abusive Twitter message to Premier League

2012-09-28T17:44:00.002+01:00

The football fan who sent an abusive Twitter message to Premier League referee and cancer survivor Mark Halsey following last weekend's Liverpool v Manchester United game has been cautioned by police.

Mark Halsey sent off Jonjo Shelvey last Sunday

Liverpool supporter John Wareing, a 27-year-old man from the north-east, tweeted: "I hope Mark Halsey gets cancer again and dies", after the official sent off Reds midfielder Jonjo Shevley and handed United a late penalty that gave Sir Alex Ferguson's side a 2-1 win at Anfield.

Commenting on the incident, DS Tony Lunt of Greater Manchester police said: "Clearly the victim and his family were very distressed by the extremely offensive comments posted on Twitter. We take all reports of abuse on social networking sites very seriously as these remarks can and do have a devastating impact on people's lives.

"As a result of our investigation, we have cautioned a man who has admitted responsibility for some of the messages. This individual was very apologetic and realises that in a moment of stupidity he posted deeply derogatory remarks about the victim and completely regrets his actions.

"Twitter, like all social networking sites, can be a fantastic tool for people to communicate but it must not be abused to the detriment of decent hard-working people who may be in the public eye. Our inquiries are ongoing to identify anyone else who posted these offensive messages."

Liverpool veteran Jamie Carragher has told the club's young players

2012-09-28T17:42:00.002+01:00

Liverpool veteran Jamie Carragher has told the club's young players to keep pushing in order to ensure their make the most of their potential.

Carragher, 34, captained a youthful Liverpool side to a 2-1 victory at West Brom in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday night and the centre-back believes that the hopefuls on the fringes of Brendan Rodgers' first-team squad have the potential to carve out successful careers if they put in the work.

Rodgers fielded three teenagers in the starting line-up at the Hawthorns - defenders Andre Wisdom and Jack Robinson, plus German forward Samed Yesil - with four more on the bench.

Spain Under-19 international Suso came on later in the game, as did schoolboy Jerome Sinclair, the youngest player in the club's history at 16 years and six days.

In addition, Rodgers had former youth-team captain Conor Coady and Cameroon-born defender Stephen Sama among his unused substitutes.

The manager has already made clear that youth will get its chance at senior level this season, because his first-team squad is relatively small. But Carragher, himself a graduate of Liverpool's youth set-up, has warned the youngsters that they cannot afford to ease up.

"I'm sure a lot of people looked at the team-sheet on Wednesday night and thought it was going to be a difficult night for us," he told the Liverpool Echo. "But credit to the young players because they showed fantastic ability and character.

"Considering the circumstances with so many players missing, that win at West Brom was one of the best performances I've been involved in during all my years here.

"It was a great achievement for Jerome and it's something he'll always remember. But he doesn't want to just be remembered for that. He wants to be remembered for being a very good Liverpool player and getting goals as a striker.

"We believe we've got some good kids here but this is just the start for them. Now they need to push on and prove they can perform at that level on a regular basis.

"We want them to go on and have long careers here. We need some of them to be mainstays of the team for the next decade. If you look back over the years, a lot of youngsters have come through, played a few games and then disappeared."

Luis Suarez believes Liverpool's performances will start bringing Premier League

2012-09-28T17:41:00.000+01:00

Luis Suarez believes Liverpool's performances will start bringing Premier League victories once they get a change of luck.

Luis Suarez has gained a reputation for simulation

Brendan Rodgers' side are in the bottom three after picking up only two points from their first five league matches. But Suarez is adamant that a lack of fortune has held Liverpool back this season.

The Uruguayan forward has seen two decent penalty appeals rejected in the club's last two league games, collecting a yellow card for diving at Sunderland when John O'Shea appeared to catch him, then getting nothing for Jonny Evans' challenge in last Sunday's home defeat by Manchester United.

The fact that United's Antonio Valencia won a spot-kick later in the game left manager Rodgers even more frustrated.

And the manager, whose side have conceded three penalties and had two players sent off in five league games this season, phoned referees' boss Mike Riley on Thursday to complain about the number of decisions going against Liverpool.

Suarez told the club website: "There are times when the referee gets it right and others when he doesn't, but that's all part and parcel of the game.

"It's happened in the last few games, like against Manchester United when the penalty shout on me wasn't given and then the one on Valencia was, but talking about it doesn't solve anything.

"The referee has a split second to see an incident. Let's just hope that it doesn't happen again in the future."

But Suarez believes a change of fortune is just around the corner. Liverpool's next match is on Saturday at Norwich, where the forward scored a memorable hat-trick last season in a 3-0 victory.

He added: "It makes it more difficult when your opening fixtures of the season are against strong teams like Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United - they are not easy games.

"We also have a new manager and I think we've been a bit unlucky at times, but we've been playing the kind of football he wants us to play.

"What everyone clearly wants from now on is to pick up as many points as we can. Everyone is keen to turn the situation around and put an end to what's happened in the last few games."

Brendan Rodgers has highlighted Jamie Carragher's importance in developing the club's young potential,

2012-09-26T14:26:00.001+01:00

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has highlighted Jamie Carragher's importance in developing the club's young potential, as he prepares the Anfield stalwart for a coaching role while underlining his continued contribution on the pitch.

Jamie Carragher: Into his 17th season with Liverpool

Carragher, no longer a first-team regular but still an integral part of Rodgers' plans in the defender's 17th season with Liverpool, has a key function in the nurturing of the new batch of talent coming through according to Rodgers.

The former England international's ability to lead on the pitch combined with his manner off it is an invaluable asset to Rodgers, who is handing Carragher the captain's armband for the Capital One Cup tie against West Brom on Wednesday evening as he utilises the 34-year-old's leadership qualities on the pitch.

"He's critical," said Rodgers, quoted in the Daily Mirror. "The likes of Andre Wisdom look up so much to guys like Jamie.

"Sometimes you can coach players, talk with them, educate them, but when they go out on to the field, if they've got top players around them, that can help them manage the game."

Carragher has featured in two of Liverpool's five Premier League games so far this season, both times as a substitute, with Rodgers using him with greater frequency in the Europa League.

Rodgers recently told Carragher that he did have a playing future at Anfield beyond the end of the current season, if the player was keen to prolong his on-pitch duties at the club.

Brad Jones is aiming to make the most of a fresh start under Brendan Rodgers by kick-starting his Liverpool career

2012-09-26T03:10:00.001+01:00

Brad Jones is aiming to make the most of a fresh start under Brendan Rodgers by kick-starting his Liverpool career.

Brad Jones is now second choice

The goalkeeper has made six senior appearances for the club since arriving from Middlesbrough in the summer of 2010. But Rodgers has indicated he is prepared to give Jones a chance in both the Europa League and the Capital One Cup this season.

The Australian has played in two of Liverpool's five European games this season, and is set for a League Cup run-out at West Brom on Wednesday night. Pepe Reina remains Liverpool's first choice keeper, but Jones has risen from third to second in the pecking order while Alexander Doni has been on leave in Brazil.

Jones has had a difficult time off the pitch over the last two years, with his son Luca dying last November after a long battle with leukaemia. On the field, Jones feels the arrival of Rodgers from Swansea in June has given him a chance to start afresh.

The 30-year-old said: "It's settled down over time off the pitch. On the pitch, this season's been a lot better for me. The new manager involves me a lot more, which was difficult last year anyway with me being here and being away.

"I've started with a clean slate, fewer things to worry about this season, and a new manager coming in. It was a case of having to prove myself all over again but it's something I feel has gone well.

"I'm hoping the manager has been happy with the way things have been going, with the way I've trained and played in the few games I've had. It does feel like starting again, and that's probably a good thing, to be honest. I can start afresh and try to push on."

Jones paid tribute to Liverpool and their fans for supporting him and his family following the loss of his son. The goalkeeper has worked over the last two years to raise funds for the Anthony Nolan Trust cancer charity, for whom his partner Dani Lawrence ran in last year's London Marathon.

Jones feels that the volume of that support he received both during his son's illness and for his charity efforts has strengthened his bond with the club.

He said: "It's incredible, really. The club and the fans have been fantastic, not only with supporting me in general but in helping out with the charity stuff we do and supporting my girlfriend when she was doing the marathons and half-marathons for charity.

"It is a special place to be. It's one big family and nothing shows that more than the way I've been treated."

Liverpool conditioning coach Darren Burgess is returning to his native Australia

2012-09-26T03:06:00.001+01:00

Liverpool conditioning coach Darren Burgess is returning to his native Australia as Liverpool's backroom shake-up continues.

Brendan Rodgers is making changes at Liverpool

Burgess, who was brought to Anfield after working with Australia at the 2010 World Cup, is the third senior member of the club's medical team to leave this year.

Peter Brukner, Liverpool's head of sports science, went in April, while physio manager Phil Coles is also moving on as he prepares to join Australia rugby league club Newcastle Knights in November.

Burgess, who is likely to take up a job in Australian Rules football, decided to leave Anfield after new manager Brendan Rodgers brought in several backroom staff from his previous club Swansea.

"Brendan wanted to bring in some staff from Swansea, and Brendan has been fantastic, but my role has changed and it's not really worth living on the other side of the world for," Burgess told Fox Sports.

"It's tough, because I worked for 15 years to try to get into the EPL, it was my dream. But I leave thinking it's the right thing for my family."

Burgess was full of praise for the professionalism shown by Luis Suarez during his time at Anfield.

"Luis Suarez's training intensity is unlike anything I've ever worked with in any code. He just cannot lose," he said.

"Sometimes, as a coach, you have to make up numbers in training, and this happened in the early days when he arrived, because he was serving a suspension from his days in Holland.

"He booted the hell out of me. I looked angrily at him, but he just gesticulated as if to say: 'When you are on the field, you are one of us!'"

Nuri Sahin has vowed to win a regular place in Liverpool's midfield and boost his chances

2012-09-26T03:03:00.002+01:00

Nuri Sahin has vowed to win a regular place in Liverpool's midfield and boost his chances of getting back into the Turkey starting line-up.

Nuri Sahin: Has started two games for Liverpool

Sahin, 24, has made two starts for Brendan Rodgers' side since arriving on a season's loan from Real Madrid.

The midfielder is looking to rebuild his career at Anfield after a knee injury interrupted his progress in Spain last season.

The midfielder, who won the Bundesliga title with Borussia Dortmund two seasons ago before moving to Madrid, has fallen down the pecking order with his national team.

He was restricted to substitute appearances in Turkey's World Cup qualifiers against Netherlands and Estonia. But he hopes that making an impression at Anfield will convince coach Abdullah Avci to give him a greater role in the Turkey side.

"First of all, I'll give everything to have a successful season at Liverpool and to play as many games as possible," Sahin told FIFA.com.

"Recently I've experienced how quickly an injury can set you back. And of course, I want to be in the starting 11 for Turkey. That's my main aim and I think I'm close to achieving it."

Steven Gerrard believes Luis Suarez is being victimised by referees when

2012-09-25T09:02:00.000+01:00

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard believes Luis Suarez is being victimised by referees when the striker is seen going down in the penalty area.

Luis Suarez has gained a reputation for simulation

Suarez, 25, has gained a reputation for simulation since joining Liverpool from Ajax for £23 million in January 2011, and Gerrard feels that stigma is now counting against his team-mate.

The Uruguay international saw appeals for a penalty waved away by referee Mark Halsey after he went down under a challenge from Jonny Evans in the Reds' 2-1 loss to Manchester United on Sunday.

Reflecting on that decision, Gerrard said in the Mirror: "I think even when Luis gets blatant penalties now, he's never going to get them. It's down to referees to not judge him. They have got to make their decisions based on what they see.

"If it's not a penalty, they don't give him one. But if it's clear, give him it. It's only fair. He was booked last week at Sunderland when he went down in the box. This one was a penalty."

Glen Johnson has echoed Gerrard's comments, expressing his belief that Suarez would not have been awarded a spot-kick had he been the man to be felled in the penalty area when Antonio Valencia won a spot-kick that decided last weekend's meeting at Anfield.

"I almost guarantee that if you flipped the situation, if Luis was in the position of Valencia, he wouldn't get a penalty," he said.

"We all know that. Reputations go in front of people at times and because Valencia is not someone who is known as a diver, he gets the decision."

Shane Long has warned his West Bromwich Albion team-mates to beware a Liverpool

2012-09-25T08:59:00.000+01:00

Shane Long has warned his West Bromwich Albion team-mates to beware a Liverpool backlash when the clubs meet on Wednesday for the second time this season.

Shane Long is hoping to be in the starting line-up for the Liverpool clash

Republic of Ireland striker Long won two penalties - and missed one of them - when the Baggies won 3-0 at The Hawthorns on the opening day of 2012-13.

The sides' fortunes have continued to move in sharply contrasting directions since, with Albion collecting ten points from five Premier League games and Liverpool in the bottom three following their worst start for over a century.

But Long, who is hoping for a recall to the starting line-up for the Capital One Cup tie after being given a breather on Saturday, believes his team's task will be tough.

"We are playing very well at the moment - these are good times," he said. "We have a few tough games coming up with a derby next week [at Aston Villa] and Liverpool sandwiched in between.

"Cup games are brilliant on a Wednesday night and give the so-called fringe players a run. I don't know what the manager wants to do but you always want the big teams and we've got Liverpool at home, so hopefully we can keep the winning feeling going.

"But they have got strength in depth. The other night, when they played Young Boys in the Europa League, they could have fallen away at 3-2 but came back to win 5-3.

"It just shows the quality they have in depth. It is going to be a tough game but one we are all looking forward to. Liverpool are one of the biggest clubs in the world. They are never going to give you anything easy and I'm sure they will have something to come back with and show us that it was a fluke on the first day of the season."

Against his former club Reading at the weekend, Long was replaced in the starting line-up by Romalu Lukaku but went on as substitute to make the only goal for him.

Clarke is certain to make changes for the tie - and the forward line is the area in which he is particularly well blessed.

"Rom has been champing at the bit for a while," he added. "The manager just decided to change it because we didn't really perform at Fulham the previous weekend.

"But he said I'm still a very big part of his plans. Lukaku is a handful for everybody. He's still only 19, he's strong and quick, he's good in the air and can finish with both feet. He's near enough the complete striker. He's young, still learning his craft, but a big addition to our team."