'Liverpool manager wouldn't play me after I punched him in face – I had to leave'

Liverpool's Joey Jones: "Manager Wouldn't Play Me After I Punched Him in the Face – I Had to Leave"

Former Liverpool defender Joey Jones, a cult hero who won two European Cups, detailed a fiery clash with legendary manager Bob Paisley that led to his Anfield exit. In a candid interview, the Welsh left-back insisted the infamous "punch" was accidental but admitted it ended his time at the club[1][2].

Jones, who played 100 games for Liverpool between 1975-1978, earning a league title, UEFA Cup, and two European Cups, described the incident during a tracksuit mishap in the dugout. As he pushed his arm through a top, it connected with Paisley's face. "I punched him, that's what I did! It was accidental. I loved him like a father," Jones laughed, correcting claims of an elbow[1][2]. Paisley reportedly declared, "Both of you can leave the club," but Jones bore the brunt, departing despite a fresh two-year contract[1].

The scuffle stemmed from Jones's hot-headed nature. He recounted prior training brawls, including jumping on Ray Kennedy's back at Melwood—halting practice amid supporters—and a bus altercation where Paisley belted midfielder Phil Thompson, prompting Jones to urge retaliation[1]. At a team dinner, tensions boiled over a knife threat to Kennedy: "I'll just stab you, mate," though it was blunt and quickly diffused[1].

Jones felt like an outsider in Liverpool's star-studded dressing room alongside Kevin Keegan and Ian Callaghan. A council estate lad from Llandudno with a rebellious youth—including gang scraps and jail stints—he rejoined Wrexham in 1978, starting and ending his career there with 72 Wales caps[3]. A separate Stamford Bridge punch mix-up highlighted his combative style[4].

Tragically, Jones passed away at 70 in 2025, mourned by Liverpool FC and teammate Mickey Thomas[3]. His story embodies the passion that fueled his cult status.

(Word count: 298)