TAKING IT ALL IN HIS STRIDE

Last updated : 21 February 2006 By Ed

From his column in The Times:

The Liverpool fans certainly let me know what they think of me on Saturday, but I had no problem with that. I expected the abuse, although I also got half a hamburger and about £4.50.

It didn’t stop me taking throw-ins and playing my usual game, although I am looking forward to putting the whole thing to rest because it has been blown out of all proportion. I am amazed at how many people have got on their high horse about it.

Just to remind you, all I did was celebrate a goal. I did not punch anyone or slag them off. I did not set out to offend. I just celebrated something spontaneously and passionately.

I have pleaded not guilty to an FA charge of improper conduct and will defend my case personally. Everyone already knows the basis of my argument, which is that I was doing what footballers so often do — reacting euphorically to the scoring of a winning goal. We accept that there are certain restrictions — although I think the one about not taking shirts off is also unnecessary — but I cannot honestly see how I breached any rules or regulations.

Obscene gestures are obviously wrong and I can see why the authorities do not want players rushing into the crowd but I was still 50 yards away from the Liverpool supporters. And I don’t buy into the argument for one minute that I should be held responsible for any trouble outside the stadium. There is no excuse for fans whacking each other after the game. It certainly has nothing to do with me.

I want to get the hearing over and done with so that I can look forward to the Carling Cup final against Wigan Athletic on Sunday. With that game in mind, I knew I couldn’t take any chances on Saturday.

I had to take whatever was coming my way on or off the pitch. I took a few kicks but I knew that I had to be very careful about responding. As it was, I think I only gave away one obvious foul all afternoon and still got booked.