FANS and former players today leapt to the defence of Jamie Carragher after he confronted a radio presenter who accused him of being a “bottler” live on air.
Carragher rang up talk-SPORT drivetime host Adrian Durham after he criticised the Liverpool star’s decision to quit the national side.
The Kop idol had been listening to the phone-in and was soincensed, he got straight on the phone.
Carragher was determined to set the record straight and told the stunned presenter: “I’m no bottler”.
The centre-half spent the next 10 heated minutes explaining his decision to retire from international football.
He challenged Durham to come to Liverpool with his “boxing gloves” on.
He said: “If you’ve got any bottle, come down to Melwood or Anfield and we’ll see what happens.
“Don’t ever call me a bottler on radio with thousands listening.”
During the spiky debate, the defender admitted he was disappointed his consistent displays for Liverpool were not rewarded by more England caps.
Carragher’s spur of the moment phone call took cocksure presenter Durham by surprise. He fronted the show with ex-footballer and Scouser Micky Quinn.
Quinn later revealed his colleague’s embarrassment by saying: “We don’t need light bulbs for another month with the heat coming off your {Durham’s} face when that call came through.”
Anfield legend Ian Rush today led the chorus of support for Carragher.
Rush said: “Jamie has always been his own man and it is typical of him to stand up for himself. He is no bottler.
“In the past couple of years, he has been the most consistent central defender in the Premiership, and he knows now that if he’s not going to get into the England team at this stage, then he never will.”
Anfield Iron Tommy Smith also backed Carragher.
“He was right to have his say. England managers who have left him out are idiots.
“ They shouldn’t be in charge of the national team.”
Liverpool fan Peter Doig, 28, from Woolton, said: “It was fantastic to listen to. How many other footballers ring up a radio show and remonstrate with a presenter live on air?”
Liverpool forums were also flooded with messages of support for Carragher.
Carra23 said: “Well done Carra. You do the talking on the field as usual.”
Hesk said: “The guy has got the heart of a lion – unlike those snivelling little gits on talkSPORT.”
Ste, from Dingle, wrote: “The legend that is Carra grows and grows. He reacted like a proper Scouser when his bottle was called into question.
“And nobody has the right to do that when it comes to Jamie.”
GuzKop wrote: “It was clearly the bottler comment that got to him and rightly so. What a stupid thing to say.”
Gus McLean said: “To call Carra of all people a bottler is ridiculous.”
Rafa’s Red Angel said: “Carra should be applauded for speaking up. Just shows his passion and that he actually cares.”
Red in Holland said: “‘The idea of ANYONE thinking our Jamie is a bottler with no stomach to fight is insane. You tell em Jamie, lad.”
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