AWOL 2014 Issue 307 28th November | Page 24

Visit www.awolonline.net little donkey Brendan Rodgers to drop Jesus from Melwood nativity scene liverpool, england Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has angered Christian fans by dropping Jesus from the clubs Christmas nativity scene, insisting He be kept fresh for Easter. The Northern-Irishman, who chose controversially to leave out several regulars from his starting XI for his side’s Champions League clash three weeks ago with Real Madrid, played down the Son of God’s role in the religious feast. “The boy Jesus, He’s been picked for every Christmas period for the last 2,000 years, so we felt it was a good time to give him some rest and give someone else a run-out this time round,” he told reporters. “Being a regular starter in the Nativity, albeit with superhuman abilities known to bring men back from the dead, shouldn’t mean we take away opportunities from other, more fallible examples of God’s creations. Particularly if those in question symbolise the wasting of tens of millions Above: Rumours are that Mario Balotelli will play the Baby Jesus this year of pounds.” Rodgers continued, “Easter is obviously a far more important fixture in the Gregorian calendar, where He took the sort of almighty flaying I saved for my very best players with the home clash against Chelsea, and last weekend’s game against Crystal Palace. It makes perfect sense.” A club spokesman, who wished to remain nameless, suggested the club’s board were less than happy at his decision to omit Jesus from the side’s seasonal celebrations. “Leaving Jesus of Nazareth out of the Nativity is tantamount to playing a European Champion away from home and your manager dropping your club captain to the bench.” “Oh. Right.” 24 Sell it fast with AWOL Classifieds