Liverpool striker Bobby Duncan has been at the centre of a public spat this week involving his club and his agent Saif Rubie.
According to Sky Sports, the 18-year-old striker wants to leave the Anfield club, but the Champions League winners have rejected loan offers from Nordsjaelland and Fiorentina, the latter reportedly being Duncan’s preferred destination.
Yesterday, The Guardian reported that Rubie had released a public statement in which he accused Liverpool of “mentally bullying” his client, who was not involved in the Reds’ under-23 side’s game against Southampton on Monday.
Rubie said: “The real reason Bobby missed the under-23 game [against Southampton] on Monday is because he has suffered some deep mental health issues with all the stress the club has put him under.” [via The Guardian]
In response, Liverpool released a statement in which the club said it was “aware of and disappointed by the unattributed comments and unfounded allegations that have been made in the media regarding one of our players.” [via Sky Sports]
In the wake of these events, Liverpool-focused Twitter channel @AnfieldEdition posted a poll to its followers to get their views on whether the club should keep, loan or sell Duncan, who featured for the Reds in pre-season but has never played a competitive game for the first team.
It seems a very strange situation, but what should Liverpool do with the Bobby Duncan saga?
— Anfield Edition | æ (@AnfieldEdition) August 28, 2019
These Reds fans on Twitter were adamant that the player should be sold:
Sell without a doubt.
He only joined us a year ago when our attack was already one of the best in Europe but now is unhappy he can’t break through.
Thinks he’s entitled because he’s Gerrard’s cousin but his attitude stinks.
— Laurie (@LFCLaurie) August 28, 2019
https://twitter.com/JFUTTrader/status/1166712256521998343
Sell him asap
All a great team needs is loyalty
A club you've claimed you've supported all's your life n now forcing a move out. Great teams aren't built on such character. He's gonna be the next Sinclair. Mark this— uGin (@uGin83133895) August 28, 2019
Sell we have Glatzel
— Marlon (@mmajopa83) August 28, 2019
Sell is the only option now. No idea how its gotten this out of hand. Has ability but if he's not willing to wait then best gotten rid off, for both parties.
— Rick (@Shady__Games) August 28, 2019
Thinks he is bigger they the club spoiled brat let him go
— GaryBoyd123 (@Boyd123Gary) August 28, 2019
Keep him, cant let a kid dictate to Liverpool football club in this manner, he's a disgrace for letting this go public & he's notion of using mental health in this manner is disgusting. The fact that they used Steven Gerrard's name in the statement as well is beyond belief.
— Deedna (@deedna00) August 28, 2019
