Bookies suspend Rafa exit bets

Do the bookmakers know something we don’t? Just hours ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League second round clash with Real Madrid, bookies have suspended betting on Rafa Benitez leaving the club.

Rumours have been rife this week about Benitez’s uncertain future at the club after the Spaniard reportedly turned down another new contract offer.

William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams has said, “We would be very surprised if Rafa is still the Liverpool boss by midnight on Sunday.”

Benitez’s current contract expires at the end of next season, and it is though he is reluctant to sign a new deal unless he is granted more power over transfers and the club’s youth system.

On top of that, the bookies are taking bets on the next Reds boss. ‘King’ Kenny Dalglish leads the way at 3/1.

Read what this morning’s papers were saying.

TIA Opinion: Let’s just pray that the bookmakers are just playing it safe. It just seems typical that this all comes out on the day of another big match for the club. Remember, it’s not in either the club’s or Benitez’s nature to do such a thing at this stage in this season. Keep the faith. Discuss this in the forums.

Real Madrid vs Liverpool kicks off at 7.45pm tonight at the Bernabeu Stadium.