Heinze performs U-turn with Real deal
Rafael Benitez accused the Premier League of damaging Liverpool's title prospects last night as the man earmarked to strengthen his defence, Gabriel Heinze, completed an acrimonious departure from Manchester United by joining Real Madrid.Fuelled by the decision of a Premier League arbitration panel to deny the Argentine's move from Old Trafford to Merseyside on Tuesday, Benitez said: 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?
"It's going to be very difficult for us to win the Premier League because the other teams are so strong, but we will fight to cope with our more difficult kick-off times and all the other decisions which are going against us."
Few at Old Trafford share Benitez's view that the Tevez saga was straightforward, although the manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted Liverpool's purchase of Mascherano, on a similar long-term loan in January, clarified many issues relating to the Argentine's arrival from West Ham. From the Premier League's perspective there is incredulity at Benitez's attack, not least because clubs have an influence over televised fixtures that earn each participant £500,000, but it would not respond to suggestions of favouritism towards United. "The Premier League works hard to ensure that all our member clubs' fixtures are as fair as possible," said a spokesman.
Lawyers acting for Heinze said they would appeal against the arbitration panel's ruling. However the 29-year-old performed a stunning U-turn last night when it was announced he had signed a four-year contract with Real Madrid. United would not disclose the fee but, while the Spanish sports daily Marca claimed Real were preparing a €12m (£8.2m) bid, it is understood to be less than United would have received from Liverpool.