Mersey rivals united in calls for end to rioting

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish and his Everton counterpart David Moyes united in calls for an end to the rioting which has spread to the city here Wednesday. Dalglish issued a statement on Liverpool's official website calling for a halt to the violence on Merseyside as he prepares to launch his first full season in charge at Anfield since 1990. "The city has made incredible progress over the past few years and no-one wants to see our restored reputation damaged by what we have witnessed over the last couple of days. For everyone's sake let's stop this now and pull together for the benefit of the whole community," he said. Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard reiterated his manager's appeal. "This is a city which has always stuck together in difficult times and supported each other. If there are people thinking of going out and causing problems, then please think again," Gerrard said. "The community doesn't want you behaving like this." Moyes echoed the Liverpool duo's sentiments. "There can be no justification for the shocking display of behaviour that has been witnessed throughout the city of Liverpool and the rest of the country over the past few days," Moyes said. "As a result of recent events, football has already suffered and we need to ensure that this stops immediately so thousands of people up and down the country can enjoy one of the most anticipated weekends of the year - the start of the Premier League season," he added. Premier League chiefs are due to decide Thursday on whether or not to postpone matches this weekend as a result of the rioting.