Erik ten Hag and Jurgen Klopp call for an end to tragedy chanting
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag and Liverpool FC manager Jurgen Klopp have called for an end to ‘tragedy chanting’ in football ahead of tomorrow’s Premier League match at Anfield.
In a heartfelt plea to fans, the rival managers insisted that chants and online abuse relating to tragic events such as Munich, Heysel and Hillsborough have to be eradicated and urged supporters to create a special atmosphere worthy of the occasion.
Preview: Liverpool v United
ArticleThe big games keep on coming for Erik ten Hag’s side, with a trip to Anfield next up in the Premier League.
Erik ten Hag: "The rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool is one of the greatest in world football. We all love the passion of the fans when our teams meet, but there are lines that should not be crossed.
"It is unacceptable to use the loss of life — in relation to any tragedy — to score points, and it is time for it to stop. Those responsible tarnish not only the reputation of our clubs but also, importantly, the reputation of themselves, the fans, and our great cities.
"On behalf of myself, our players, and our staff, we ask our fans to focus on supporting the team on Sunday, and representing our club in the right way."
"We do want the noise, we do want the occasion to be partisan and we do want the atmosphere to be electric. What we do not want is anything that goes beyond this and this applies especially to the kind of chants that have no place in football. If we can keep the passion and lose the poison it will be so much better for everyone."
Together, Liverpool and Manchester United want to show the special and positive side of this wonderful rivalry between two great football clubs with proud, but at times, tragic histories.