Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has spoken out on the sickening attack inflicted upon his fellow ex-Reds player Gary McAllister.
The retired midfielder, 54, was rushed to hospital last Sunday after being punched in the face outside a Leeds city centre bar and according to his former team-mate Dominic Matteo, lost three teeth and needed 12 stitches on his lip.
McAllister who is back working with Gerrard as the Rangers manager's assistant, had returned to the north of England from Scotland to watch Liverpool Legends play their AC Milan counterparts in an Anfield charity match on Saturday March 23.
West Yorkshire Police announced earlier on Friday that a 32-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the incident before being released under investigation and Gerrard has revealed that he has taken the decision to keep McAllister away from Rangers' 'Old Firm' derby match with Celtic at Parkhead on Sunday (12 noon kick-off) as he recovers from his injuries.
He told reporters ahead of the game: “It's a shame, he is not going to be with us at the weekend.
“I took the decision out of Gary's hands. It's a shame what happened.
“He is recovering well, but I think it's better that he rests and recovers and gets himself 100% right, and we get Gary McAllister back when he can be the real Gary McAllister.
“But it's a shame, I wish he was going to be with us.”
The timely break that could be the difference for Liverpool in the title race
Although McAllister - a title winner with Leeds United in 1992 - did not sign for Liverpool until he was 35, he enjoyed a glorious Indian Summer with the Reds and remains a popular figure at Anfield having played an inspirational role in the 2001 cup treble-winning season alongside Gerrard.
