Liverpool accused of ‘bullying’ teen star
LIVERPOOL have been accused of holding prospect Bobby Duncan against his will and damaging the teenager’s mental health.
In an explosive statement from the 18-year-old’s agent, which was first reported by MailOnline yesterday, it is claimed Duncan has not left his house for four days because of the stress of not being allowed to leave Anfield on loan.
The statement also accuses Liverpool of ‘mentally bullying’ Duncan, who is Anfield legend Steven Gerrard’s cousin, and is particularly critical of sporting director Michael Edwards. Duncan (below), according to the statement, will refuse to return to club duty. Liverpool branded the allegations as ‘unfounded’.
Fiorentina and FC Nordsjaelland have made season-long loan offers for Duncan, with a view to signing the youngster on a permanent deal next summer. But Liverpool have rejected all offers.
When Liverpool dismissed the Fiorentina offer, the player’s representative, Saif Rubie, posted his grievances. Rubie said: ‘The real reason Bobby missed the Under-23 game [against Southampton] on Monday is because he has suffered some deep mentalhealth issues with all the stress the club has put him under.
‘Stress of being told he can leave but then going out of their way to force him to stay against his will.
‘Not only is he on a very small salary but he also has one season left on his contract after this one and Liverpool have flatly said he will not get a new one.
‘Bobby has not left his room for four days because of this and will never go back to Liverpool again and my only concern now is his mental health and wellbeing.
‘The Liverpool hierarchy have shown zero consideration to that and have even gone as far as saying in writing that they will punish him and make him stay at the club until January and beyond to teach him a lesson. This is not really dignified behaviour from a club with the rich history of Liverpool.
‘It’s a sad state of affairs that a club such as a Liverpool can be allowed to get away with mentally bullying and destroying the life of a young man such as Bobby.
‘In this situation all that matters is the player’s health and in this case Michael Edwards has totally ignored that because of his own stubbornness and I really pray that his experience doesn’t happen to any young players again.’
In response, a club spokesperson said: ‘Liverpool Football Club is aware of and disappointed by the unattributed comments and unfounded allegations that have been made in the media regarding one of our players. As the interests of the player in question are not best served by either inaccurate speculation, inflammatory statements or public discourse, we will be making no further comment.
‘We will, however, continue our efforts to work privately with the player to find resolution in the best interests of all involved.’