‘Contempt’ for Reds

LIVERPOOL yesterday won the right to defend their Champions League trophy next season but UEFA’s decision to make Rafael Benitez’s side play six qualifying matches led to accusations that they are treating the Reds with “contempt.”

The club will have no country protection meaning they could face Everton in the final qualifying round; they will receive at least €4.5 million less Champions League TV money than title-holders usually receive and the early matches clash with a pre-season tour to Japan.

Liverpool’s chief executive Rick Parry welcomed the decision but fans’ leaders have been less diplomatic.