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Steven Gerrard, Liverpool legend and current Al-Ettifaq coach has been cautioned about the potential impact on his public image due to his association with notorious crime figure Liam Byrne.
Steven Gerrard has found himself in the spotlight after a video surfaced showing him with Liam Byrne, a known member of the Kinahan Organised Crime Group. The news comes as Gerrard's daughter, Lilly-Ella, recently announced that she is expecting a child with Byrne’s son Lee, making Gerrard a soon-to-be grandfather.
Lilly-Ella shared the happy news on social media, posting: "Our little secret, the best news, mini us is on the way." Gerrard responded warmly: "We can't wait, great news and congratulations we love you." However, despite the joyous occasion, concerns have been raised regarding Gerrard’s proximity to the Byrne family.
According to a report by The Express, Liam Byrne has been identified in court as the leader of an organised crime group, though both Lee Byrne and the Gerrard family have no connection to criminal activities. Byrne’s brother, David Byrne, was infamously killed during the 2016 Regency Hotel attack in Dublin, a significant event in the violent Hutch-Kinahan feud that led to 18 deaths.
Former Garda assistant commissioner Pat Leahy previously issued a warning to Gerrard about the potential reputational risks associated with his daughter’s relationship. Speaking to the Irish Mail on Sunday in 2023, Leahy said: "He [Gerrard] certainly knew [who Liam Byrne is]; he's not blind and he can read. He was playing with fire there, and it is going to visit him now, front-on."
Gerrard has also been linked to Nathan 'Biggie' Little, who has been described as a junior member of the Kinahan group by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB). The two have exchanged birthday messages on social media, with Little commenting "Alll dayyy laddd" on one of Gerrard’s posts, while Lee added: "How it's done" with emojis.
Despite the controversy, it appears that Lee Byrne is now an integral part of the Gerrard family. While Gerrard has remained tight-lipped about his relationship with Byrne Sr., he continues to support his daughter and her partner. Currently coaching in Saudi Arabia, Gerrard will likely face further media scrutiny as the situation develops.