Steven Gerrard calls for 'protection' as Xabi Alonso speaks out about Liverpool and Real Madrid links
Your morning Liverpool headlines for Saturday, December 9.
Steven Gerrard wants 'protection' after brawl breaks out in Saudi match
Steven Gerrard has called for greater "protection" for his Al-Ettifaq players after being involved in a match that featured three red cards.
Al-Ettifaq, coached by the Liverpool legend, played out a 0-0 draw away to Al-Shabab to stretch their winless run in the Saudi Pro League to five games. Gerrard's side now trail league leaders Al-Hilal by 17 points and are not even at the midway stage of the season.
The draw with Al-Shabab, managed by Gerrard's former Reds team-mate Igor Biscan, was overshadowed by the three dismissals during the contest, two of which arrived with five minutes remaining in the game after ex-Everton winger Demarai Gray reacted furiously to a challenge from opposition midfielder Gustavo Cuellar. This subsequently sparked a brawl in the centre of the pitch with members of both teams attempting to back their team-mates.
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Gray was one of Gerrard's high-profile signings during the summer transfer window, following in the footsteps of Jordan Henderson in leaving behind the Premier League for the Middle East.
Read the full story, here.
Xabi Alonso 'has been clear' about next step after Bayer Leverkusen amid Liverpool links
Xabi Alonso has revealed he will make his own decisions when he feels right - as he continues to be linked with both Liverpool and Real Madrid.
Alonso, who is currently in charge of Bayer Leverkusen, has been heavily linked with the Real job this season, as it is being widely claimed
Read on liverpoolecho.co.uk
