Former Premier League manager Ian Holloway has sent a message to Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott after a social media post of the teenager mocking Harry Kane circulated online.
The video showed the Reds youngster imitating the Tottenham striker in an offensive manner – and has issued an apology to Kane on his Instagram story, admitting his actions to be ‘immature and senseless’.
Giving his take on Elliott’s behaviour, Holloway sympathised with the youngster – but urged the 16-year-old winger to mature in order to make the most of his footballing career by sending a message the teenager’s way.
He said on talkSPORT: “I’m sure he’s already learnt, it’s just a lack of respect but it’s very immature and childish – what do we expect? He’s only just old enough to leave school.
“We do put a lot of pressure on these lads to grow up very, very quickly, but I’m afraid if that’s what you want – Michael Owen was playing on a regular basis at 18 scoring for England – so don’t tell me that you don’t understand that.
“You’re allowed to make mistakes, you’ve made that, you’ve apologised immediately, but just have a think about what you’re doing – it’s not funny.
“Let’s not be too harsh, we all make mistakes.”
Mistakes may be a part of life and growing up – but the key for Elliott will surely be how he conducts himself in the future.
Plenty of footballers have gone on to have successful careers and landed themselves in hot water – just take the likes of Eric Cantona or even Wayne Hennessey, for example (if you’re allowing a little leeway on the success front).
So this needn’t be a sign of things to come from Elliott – although it is hardly an ideal start from the youngster so soon after joining the European champions.
