Dalglish slams match scheduling

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has threatened to field a youth team in their Carling Cup quarter-final at Chelsea later this month in protest at what he believes is “disgraceful” fixture scheduling.

In an unprecedented move the Reds manager has warned fans they should carefully consider whether to buy a ticket for the match at Stamford Bridge as he does not want them to be short-changed if he goes through with his plan. Dalglish is unhappy that his side will have to play matches against two of their biggest rivals within just over 48 hours of each other. Liverpool host Barclays Premier League leaders Manchester City on Sunday 27 November in a 4pm kick-off for live television and must then go to London for their Carling Cup quarter-final the following Tuesday.

“When we ask the Football League to move our game to a later date, we’re told it’s impossible. Where’s the logic in that?” questioned the Scot. “If the Football League want to devalue their own competition, that’s up to them, but they shouldn’t then be upset if people use these games to help in the development of young players. I’d be interested to know what the sponsors think of the situation and what it does for the reputation of the competition. The one thing I will say to our fans is to think carefully before buying tickets for the League Cup game.

“We do not want them spending their money and then we decide there is no other option but to use only young players in the tie.”

The Football League have defended the scheduling, stressing other events in the capital – including Tottenham’s Europa League game and a Trades Union Congress march – and a lack of viable alternative dates left them with no choice.

But Dalglish added: “It is disgraceful in this day and age that players are being asked to play a key Premier League game and then a League Cup quarter-final in London just 48 hours later.”