Liverpool FC went to Portugal on a week´s sunshine trip to prepare for Wednesday´s Champions League clash with European Cup holders FC Barcelona.
But several English tabloids reported on different incidents that could see a few Liverpool players in trouble.


Therefore Liverpool´s manager Rafa Benitez called a meeting with all his player´s and warned the team that he would take severe disciplinary action if any of his players were found guilty having breached club rules:

I met this morning with the entire first-team squad and made it absolutely clear to all of them, the responsibilities that come with playing for this club and the way they are expected to conduct themselves, both, on and off the pitch. The players worked extremely hard at last week's training camp, but we will take disciplinary action and fine any of them who are found to have breached club rules during our stay in Portugal. I've told the players this and they understand and accept the decision I have taken. Despite reports to the contrary, the spirit amongst the lads is very good with everyone looking forward to the game against Barcelona on Wednesday.
We remain totally focussed on what will be a very tough game against the defending European Champions.

Two different alleged assaults are reported to have occurred on late Friday night in Portugal. According to different newspaper articles the most serious incident broke out at a karooke bar and continued later in the team hotel.
The English tabloids were reporting about "heavy drinking" until 2 a.m. and a serious face-to-face insult between Liverpool´s forward Craig Bellamy and Norwegian international John Arne Riise in front of nearly 20 other teammates. After a brawl, the situation was calmed down finally, but back in the hotel, Craig Bellamy, who is known for his bad temper and violent history, was so wound up that he took a golf club out of his room and hit Riise´s legs with the golf club. Bellamy was reported to have been completely out of control and Riise suffered with bruised legs.


Meanwhile, other reports suggested that Liverpool players, Jerzy Dudek, Jermaine Pennant and Robbie Fowler were involved in a separate drunk and violent incident. Reports in Portugal claim that at least one Liverpool player was handcuffed for attempting to headbutt a policeman.