Benitez blasts Premier League

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Heinze had his attempts to join Liverpool blocked by a Premier League hearing, that sided with United over who they could sell the player to once their £6.8million valuation had been met.

Benitez told the Liverpool Echo: "How can a player with a signed agreement be treated like this? He has a document which is clear, but the Premier League prefers to believe the word of someone else who made a mistake. I know there were accusations made against Liverpool in the hearing which were unbelievable. How can this be allowed?"

The Anfield manager then broadened his attack on the Premier League from the Heinze issue with a double blast.

Benitez said: "I would like to ask the Premier League why is it that Liverpool always plays the most fixtures away from home in an early kick-off following an international break? We had more than the top clubs last season and we have four already to prepare for this season.

"Then I want to ask the Premier League why it was so difficult for Liverpool to sign Javier Mascherano, when we had to wait a long time for the paperwork, but it was so easy for Carlos Tevez to join Manchester United?"

Mascherano joined Liverpool from West Ham in the January transfer window and the deal took weeks to clear as the row over third party ownership of players at Upton Park raged on.

The Premier League are disappointed by Benitez's comments.

A spokesman said: "We are disappointed to read Rafael Benitez's comments in the press, especially when channels exist for every member club to raise any issues directly with the league."