Jon Flanagan, the Liverpool defender, has been condemned by his club and faces further disciplinary action following his conviction for assaulting his girlfriend.

Flanagan was given a 12 month community order with 40 hours unpaid work after admitting the offence.

Liverpool delivered a strongly worded denunciation of his conduct expressing their 'anger'. An internal process is underway to determine what further action is necessary but he will be given the chance to rebuild his career at the club.

“We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the player’s actions during the events that took place resulting in this criminal conviction,” said a club spokesman.

“It leaves his own reputation damaged and, through association, he has severely let down the club he had previously represented with distinction.

“We have expressed to him our disappointment and anger that he has failed to live up to the values of Liverpool Football Club, in this specific instance.

“The club has allowed the legal formalities to reach a conclusion before deciding on or implementing any internal disciplinary action. That internal process will now begin.”