I have to say Liverpool FC's conduct in all of this sits very uneasily with me. Involving players and fans in a criminal case is wrong in my opinion. The fact that this guy was found guilty in court and has not been pardoned today casts Liverpool FC's conduct in a very poor light. Football clubs should have nothing to do with individuals' legal affairs. I think LFC have been left with egg on their face over this one.
Just to clarify- I mean no disrespect to the man or his family, but this has turned into mob rule. Were you there? Did you see what happened? Because if the answer to that is no, who are you to say he's innocent? He's been through due process- whatever your legal opinions are- and he's been found guilty. He was sentenced to 30 years, yet he'll be out this time next year! I think people have got carried away with themselves on this, and the club was ill-advised to get involved.
To those who disagree with me, and I'm sure there are a few: I'm a Liverpool fan, just like you, giving my honest opinion. If you don't want to hear it, maybe you shouldn't be reading a forum!
A lot of the problems I have with this whole thing are contained in your post.
Firstly, as you say, I'm sure it is tough being in prison. I have no doubt that the lad is suffering. But, we are in no position to decide his guilt or innocence. You say that the case 'wouldn't have made it to a courtroom here there are so many holes in it'. Well, I'm not in the legal profession, and unless you are, you can't make that claim. All you, me or anyone know about the case is what is in the papers. Is that the full story? Have things been held back? Has everything been reported, or are there some things off limits? I don't know, you don't know, and LFC don't know.
Secondly, you cite 'the look on Michael's face when he was convicted'. With all due respect, that can hardly be considered proof of innocence or guilt.
Thirdly, you say that when he is released he will probably fight to clear his name. He is of course entitled to do that, as a private citizen, but my main point is that LFC should never have got involved in this process. The bottom line is we only know what we read in the papers. People are talking on here as if they were there, or know the guy personally, and as a result, mob rule has prevailed. We don't know what happened, or what this guy is like. Threfore we, and LFC, should keep our noses out.
Let the discussion flow for people who are interested in finding out what happened? Is this what this thread is about? Chinese whispers? That's my point- nobody on here knows what happened. Anyone who says otherwise is misguided.
Was expecting a new member to pop on here and talk nothing other than Michael Shields today. Going by your posts before I type this out, you're obviously only here with one agenda in mind. Or shall we take that to court and prove that as well?
Exactly what you are saying about people not being there not being in the know can be turned around and said to you too. Just because someone is tried and tested in a court of law does not mean the outcome equals the truth.
Tennis balls were being called out by umpires for years at Wimbledon - some even deciding the fate of history in that sport. All because what one person alone said. Under a closer examination these days, an aid to the umpire to change decisions that were wrongly called, justice is truly done.
Not everything is set in stone. Politicians! People who are supposed to be honourable. Representatives of people. A good majority of these honourable people have been taking the piss out of the hard working tax payers of this country. But because they're honourable representatives, by your logic, it's alright for them to take the piss?
Your honest opinion tells me you haven't got a mind of your own. Although I doubt you're genuine anyway.
You can disagree all you want and try to pick points up on what I've said. But don't come on here telling people that maybe they shouldn't be reading a forum. You've only signed up here to pick holes in people wanting justice.
And by the way. When you clicked on 'I agree to the forum rules' when you signed up. Did you miss the bit that said the admin and mods support Justice For Michael Shields?
If I delete you. Will you take me to court.
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