REVEALED: Training bust-up led to Rafa freezing out Riera at Liverpool

Albert Riera fell out of favour with Rafa Benitez after turning on a young reserve player in a training ground flashpoint at Melwood.The Liverpool manager was shocked by the Spain winger's outburst at the unnamed youngster which was quickly defused by other senior players.Riera was immediately excluded from Liverpool's squad and is unlikely to force his way back in with Benitez suspending his £6million signing until Monday and hammering him with a fine of around £70,000. Rift: Riera struggles to look interested in training with Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez on WednesdayBenitez has also been infuriated by the timing and contents of aninterview with a Spanish radio station, in which Riera claimed he hadbeen ostracised, accused his boss of lacking communication skills anddescribed Liverpool as 'a sinking ship.'Liverpool's under-pressure boss feels let down by Riera, who will be sold at the first opportunity.As he considered the fall-out from his attack, Riera said: 'I don'twant a war with the manager but at the same time I am not to blame. Out of favour: Riera has not been a regular for Liverpool this season'I have no problem talking to people. The most important thing isthe best thing for the club. I am not interested in the slightest inRafa being my enemy. Totally the opposite. You cannot treat players thesame. Each one is different.'It is because we changed players. The two who are Real Madrid werevery important, but we replaced them with Johnson and Aquilani. It is aquestion I have asked myself all season.'But Benitez hit back after Liverpool's win last night and said: 'Thetiming was not the best for the team. Riera said it's a sinking ship.Does this performance suggest otherwise?' Riera suspended and fined for attack on Benitez and Liverpool 'sinking ship' Liverpool 3 Lille 0 (agg 3-1): Cometh the hour, cometh the pair of Steven Gerrard and Fernando TorresRafa Benitez's Pepe talk - Liverpool boss says: Be loyal like ReinaKjaer calls for Liverpool or Manchester United offer to tempt him from PalermoRafa Benitez under fire: Albert Riera rap threatens Liverpool loyalty callLIVERPOOL FC

Source: Daily_Mail