Riera banned after stinging criticism of boss Benitez

LIVERPOOL winger Albert Riera has been suspended by the club for his outspoken attack on manager Rafael Benitez and the club.

The Spain international has been disciplined by Benitez and told not to return to the Merseysiders’ Melwood training ground until Monday.

Riera launched a critical broadside at Benitez, claiming he did not speak to him, and described Liverpool as a “sinking ship”.

Benitez is believed to be fuming about the timing of the interview, which was broadcast less than 24 hours before last night’s crucial Europa League last-16 second leg at home to Lille, and has taken swift action to discipline the player.

The suspension means Riera, who came on as a substitute in Lille last week but was not on the bench for Monday’s Barclays Premier League victory over Portsmouth, misses the Europa League second leg tie and also Sunday’s trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United.

In his interview, Riera told Radio Marca: “When the coach says nothing to you and you are well, with no physical problems and training well, you cannot help but think it must be something personal.”

However, former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann blasted the 27-year-old for looking to shift the blame from some mediocre personal performances in the current campaign.

“I didn’t read too much into the comments because he’s a player who has not played too much football over the last six to eight months,” said the former Germany international.

“He is clearly frustrated but you have to say since he signed for Liverpool (in the summer of 2008) he has not done enough to really have an opinion on the manager.”