Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterTrouble had a way of finding John Arne Riise during his playing days.He infamously had a run-in with John Carew while on international duty with Norway in 2003, with the Liverpool left-back reportedly getting sparked out by the big striker following an argument Riise started by spitting at Carew's feet.Then, in February 2007, a ridiculous argument over karaoke led Craig Bellamy to set about Riise with a golf club as the Norwegian lay in his hotel bed after a 'team bonding trip' to Portugal.Riise reflected to FourFourTwo: "The thing with Carew only happened quickly, and we spoke the same night."It shouldn't have happened, but we talked about it the same day and have been friends ever since. You may like "I turned down Newcastle relegation clause" Scottish football club sporting director has had arguably the maddest career in history Eric Cantona, Frank Worthington, Faustino Apsrilla and the rest of the footballing mavericks who rocked the beautiful game "The thing with Bellamy was more threatening because it was with a golf club.It sounds stupid, and people think I'm kidding, but he went for my shins. It could have ended my career.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over."He was drunk and all over the place mentally, so that was scarier. If I didn't jump out of bed and protect my shins, I would have been done."But at the same time, if I met those two one against one, I'd be more scared of Carew than of Bellamy, for sure."Amusingly, Bellamy and Riise both scored for Liverpool as they beat Barcelona to progress on their way to the 2007 final - and even more bizarrely, that incident with Bellamy went on to play a part in Wrexham's history, of all clubs. No pun intended. What to read next The story of Alfie Conn, Tottenhams rock n roll cult hero who crossed the Rangers-Celtic divide 'The surgeon told me I wouldn't play again. That was the first time I attempted my own life' Clarke Carlisle on the injury that almost cost him his life 25 years ago Around the World in 80 Clubs: Easter Island (a), the club with a drug lord in midfield, squirrel costumes, a derby on board a ferry, plus more equally bizarre football stories from across the globe As reported at the time, Bellamy requested that part of his fine should be donated to ailing Wrexham, who were then second-bottom of League Two.A Wrexham statement later said: "The directors of Wrexham FC would personally like to say a very big thank you on behalf of all our supporters to Wales' own Craig Bellamy for the very generous donation he has made to Wrexham Football Club."This has allowed us to bring in three loan players to aid our fight for Football League survival."Those loan signings Richard Walker (from Port Vale), Michael Proctor (from Hartlepool) and Tony Williams (from Carlisle), ultimately helped Wrexham rise well clear of the drop... though they were ultimately relegated the following season.TOPICSJohn Arne RiiseCraig BellamyJohn CarewLiverpoolNorwayWrexhamChampions LeagueSteven ChickenSocial Links NavigationSteven Chicken has been working as a football writer since 2009, taking in stints with Football365 and the Huddersfield Examiner. Steven still covers Huddersfield Town home and away for his own publication,WeAreTerriers.com. Steven is a two-time nominee for Regional Journalist of the Year at the prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards, making the shortlist in 2020 and 2023.With contributions fromTom Gennoy
