Benitez branded a hypocrite by Everton as police probe Neville "attack"

Apr 1 2008 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

EVERTON yesterday accused Rafael Benitez of hypocrisy as the fall-out from Sunday’s derby rumbled on.

And a strongly-worded statement from the Goodison Park outfit has blasted the behaviour of Liverpool supporters during the game at Anfield, which Liverpool won 1-0.

Everton have asked the police to investigate allegations that skipper Phil Neville was spat at on several occasions and struck by a fan while taking a throw-in.

As has become commonplace at recent derbies between the bitter rivals, both sets of supporters traded vitriolic insults throughout the game with Steven Gerrard, Joleon Lescott and Yakubu among individual players targeted. Chants concerning Michael Shields and the Heysel disaster were also heard.

Benitez made a point after the game of highlighting the “lack of respect” shown by the Everton supporters towards his players.

Last year, the Liverpool manager had caused controversy by referring to Everton as a “smaller club” following the goalless derby draw at Anfield in February.

It led to a Goodison outcry and the release of a statement from the club’s chief executive Keith Wyness condemning the “unnecessary” remarks of the Liverpool manager.

Now Benitez’s latest comments have sparked renewed outrage at Everton, with many inside the club privately fuming at the Spaniard and inundated by calls from supporters referring to incidents during Sunday’s match.

And a statement from Everton said yesterday: “Whilst we would never condone the singling out of individual players for vitriolic insults, it is a shame that Mr Benitez chose to ignore the actions of his own club’s supporters.

“Not only was Joleon Lescott subjected to an afternoon long barrage of quite disgusting and quite audible abuse, Phil Neville was seemingly spat at several times and was also punched in the back by a supporter as he took a throw-in.

“We have asked the police and our safety officer to look into the matter.

“In calling for Everton supporters to respect his players, Mr Benitez should perhaps remember his comments of 12 months ago when he sought to belittle one of world sport’s oldest and most respected institutions by describing us a ‘small club’. Respect is a two-way street.”

Benitez had said on Sunday: “I am sure some of the (Liverpool) players will be very pleased because I do not like to hear some of the things I heard. It shows a lack of respect for some players. So I am really pleased, especially for some players.”

A solitary goal from Fernando Torres helped Liverpool open up a five-point gap over Everton in the race for fourth place and the final Champions League qualification berth.

Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Avram Grant has vowed to fight the controversial decision to make his side play two games in the space of just 72 hours during a key phase of the Premier League title run-in.

Chelsea have been told they must play Wigan on Monday, April 14 and then Everton on Thursday, April 17 to suit television schedules.

Grant, whose side are five points behind leaders Manchester United, claimed it gave United and Arsenal an unfair advantage.

He said: “I don’t understand why we need to play on a Thursday. It’s unfair. When we come to the end of the season it should be equal for all the teams. We need to fight in any way that we can to make it a fair decision.”