Rafa blasts league and United over Heinze saga

THE simmering tension between Liverpool and Manchester United over the Gabriel Heinze saga became verbal warfare yesterday as Anfield boss Rafael Benitez launched a staggering attack on the Premier League and the Old Trafford club.

Heinze, who last night joined Real Madrid, had his attempts to join Liverpool blocked by a Premier League hearing, that sided with United over who they could sell the player to once their £6.8million valuation had been met.

But not only did Benitez attack the Premier League decision he also directed his fury at the Old Trafford hierarchy.

Benitez claims decisions are being taken which favour Liverpool’s old rivals with Tuesday’s dismissal of Heinze’s bid to move to Anfield the latest setback.

Benitez said: “I would like to ask the Premier League a number of questions. How can a player with a signed agreement be treated like this?

“He has a document which is clear, but the Premier League prefers to believe the word of someone else who made a mistake. I know there were accusations made against Liverpool in the hearing which were unbelievable. How can this be allowed?”

And broadening his attack from the Heinze issue, Benitez said: “Then I would like to ask the Premier League why is it that Liverpool always plays the most fixtures away from home in an early kick-off, following an international break?

“We had more than the top clubs last season and we have four already to prepare for this season.

“Then I want to ask the Premier League why it was so difficult for Liverpool to sign Javier Mascherano, when we had to wait a long time for the paperwork, but it was so easy for Carlos Tevez to join Manchester United?”

Mascherano joined Liverpool from West Ham in the January transfer window and the deal took weeks to clear as the row over third party ownership of players at Upton Park raged on.

The Tevez move to Old Trafford took less time to approve, with the Argentina star’s representatives paying West Ham £2m to release his registration in time to beat the transfer deadline.

Benitez added: “It’s going to be very difficult for us to win the Premier League because the other teams are so strong, but I want our supporters to know that despite the disadvantages we have, we will fight all the way.”