by GR Sun Feb 18, 2007 10:28 am
There’s various stories currently flying around about what happened in the Algarve, they all seem pretty astonishing and reports of Bellamy beating Riise with a golf club - although potentially catastrophic - seem like typical media fabrication. Particularly considering the source of several articles and reports.
We have been sent the following article, which hopefully is found to be the truth;
According to staff at Monty’s Steak House and Bar, there was no trouble at all.
We spoke to staff member Valter who informed us that a party of 22 had been at Monty’s and not 15 as had been reported.
Valter told us: “We have seen what the Record has published but I must tell you that this is a very bad, unrealiable newspaper. It is like your Sun newspaper in England.
“Reporters from the Record were here at Monty’s and they were annoyed because the Liverpool players refused to speak to them. They wouldn’t talk to these reporters and the club refused to let them film at the training camp. There was a bad feeling from them because the players wouldn’t do interviews.
“Earlier on Thursday the players came in as routine. They had tables booked for a meal. There were many families and children in Monty’s and all night the players were happy to sign autographs and have their photos taken.
“After their meal they sang Karaoke in small groups. They even sang songs with some of the kids here. It was a fun night.
“The management of Liverpool FC including Mr Benitez had gone for a meal at another resort nearby.
“All night the journalists kept annoying the players. They were very angry because none of the Liverpool players would talk to them or even sign autographs but they would for the families and staff. We had told them about the men from the Reporter and what type of publication it was and to be careful.
“During the night two Liverpool players (non-English) had an argument. It was nothing. It was just like when a group of men are out joking and telling fun at each other. A glass was dropped, just one glass, and Robbie (Fowler) and Steven (Gerrard) told them to both “shut up” but this was just joking talk, there was no bad feelings and they had the drink replaced. They were still friends. It was nothing and they continued in their group all night.
“The reporters tried to say that loads of glasses and other things had been broken outside, many glasses, but we have a law here in Portugal which says nobody can drink outside the bar premises. The police were outside the bars as normal and had they seen anyone outside we would have been fined. We would not let anyone, not even famous people, drink outside.
“Only one glass was broken and this was inside but this happens every night when groups of friends are together. They were no different to any other groups.
“Word came through to the players that Benitez had finished his meal and was coming back to the resort so their private van came to collect them at around 12.30. They all left together.”
We asked if any of the players mentioned in the Record’s article had been causing trouble.
Valter said: “No. Everyone was good. I don’t know all the names but I know Fowler, Gerrard and Crouch. Fowler was one of the first to leave in the first trip. These players were all happy. It was a good night.
“I have spoken to friends at Barringtons (apartment complex where the players are staying) and they said there was no trouble. They said the players weren’t loud because Benitez was with them when they returned.”
It was pointed out to Valter that both establishments could simply be covering something up, which he understood but he added that his manager would be following the Record’s claims up.
He said: “My manager is not here yet but he is furious. Publishing lies is not good for Liverpool players but it’s also not good for our business to say these things when it is not true. I do know that he is contacting the Record for an apology.
“What they have said is not true and I have no problem if you want to use my name because I know the truth is on the cameras (CCTV).
“The journalists are just angry with Liverpool FC and want to create lies.
“Liverpool players are welcome here anytime. They have been brilliant.”
A source at Barringtons who wouldn’t give their name denied that there had been any problems at the complex and that had there been, all guests in the party would have been removed.
She said: “Everyone here is the same. If a group misbehaves then security would remove them. It doesn’t matter if you are famous like an actor or footballer. Everyone would be asked to leave if trouble happened.”
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ridiculous
not in a world where "too small to compete" ='s "over twice as successful in Europe as Barcelona" 