As if Liverpool haven’t been in the news enough for recent events, the Daily Mail has reported that Liverpool winger Stewart Downing has been arrested on suspicion of assault following an incident in a Middlesborough nightclub.

To be honest, looking at Downing and judging by his lack-lustre and weak performances on the pitch for the Reds this is something I have to say I’m surprised about. I never thought the lad had it in him. To be perfectly honest, I thought he’d be the victim of an assault, not the perpetrator!

A spokesman from the local constabulary is quoted as saying: “Police were called to an incident in a pub on Yarm High Street. A 27-year-old man has been arresteed on suspicion of assault and a 32-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of assault”. Both have been released pending further enquiries.

I have to say, this is very disapointing coming hot on the heels of the Luis Suarez incidents (note the plural!) and the club having to apologise to Oldham’s Tom Adeyemi after he was subjected to racial insults during the team’s 5-1 defeat at Anfield on Friday. Personally I think it’s about time Kenny Dalglish took the players into a room, closed the door and tore a strip off them. The performances on the pitch have largely been below par this season, never mind hitting the post 393 and a half times or whatever the excuse is. Granted, Dalglish cannot be held responsible for the stupidity of certain members of the crowd but he can be held to book for the behaviour of his players.

One action from an idiot in the stand ands three from players. This is not good enough for Liverpool FC and Dalglish must clamp down on this before the club’s once impeccable reputation is tarnished any further. The supporter in question should be banned for life from attending games. Period. Liverpool should be seen to be taking a stance against this type of madness.

Liverpool were handed a fourth round draw against Manchester United yesterday which will further put the club more under the spotlight, unfortunately for the wrong reasons. That said, and in footballing terms, I think the Reds should beat Manyoo and also get past Manchester City this week. The way things are going, a cup success may be the only way back into Europe for Dalglish’s men.

By Ben Green

Follow me on Twitter @Mrbengreen