They’re not happy.
This week, Liverpool defender Jon Flanagan was sentenced to forty hours of unpaid work and a community order for assaulting his girlfriend. The 25-year-old defender pleaded guilty to common assault by beating of Rachael Wall at an earlier hearing. The court heard he “slammed” his partner against the wall and kicked her “while she was on the floor” in December.
Sentencing the Liverpool-born player, District Judge Wendy Lloyd said it was “undoubtedly sad”. “It was a matter of this lady going to the floor twice and you used your foot on her on one occasion,” she said. “The lady was seen to have injuries but of course she said she does not attribute those injuries to you.”
A Liverpool spokesman stated that the club condemned “in the strongest possible terms, the player’s actions” and said the club will now begin considering “any internal disciplinary action”. Now reports have emerged that Liverpool won’t be sacking Flanagan following the charge, and fans of the club have reacted angrily.
https://twitter.com/Oliver__Bond/status/954120892656816128
The club have yet to make an official statement on the player’s future at the club, but that hasn’t stopped supporters everywhere responding with shock and dismay. Although Joey Barton has been one voice to the contrary arguing: “To sack Jon Flanagan over a mistake would be down to the fact the boy is not in the first team plans and it is a financial-based commodity decision rather than a football decision because if it is a football decision, it is hypocrisy.”
Here are some of the responses from the Anfield faithful:
https://twitter.com/Nabyandsadio/status/954121061746069504
We’re really keeping a guy that beat up his girlfriend at the club. Disgusting
— Deh-gee (@wholelottadej) January 18, 2018
Absolutely ridiculous. Contract should be dissolved immediately. Who's decided this?
— rmp266 (@rmp266) January 18, 2018
https://twitter.com/Dickinej06Lfc/status/954125112428593152
https://twitter.com/Charlmoll/status/954129750934552576
First time in my life I would not care if the fanbase booed one of our players.
— Madu (@TH3B1GV) January 18, 2018
Speaking from a female’s perspective, and I’m not saying that what Gerrard or Bobby did was a good thing. But, Flanno being drunk and attacking his girlfriend is a good example of why many females do feel vulnerable around men who have had one too many to drink.
— K ✨ (@Keri_Anne93) January 18, 2018
