Jurgen Klopp and Erik ten Hag have called for fans to show ‘class’ and bring an end to tragedy chanting as Liverpool prepare to face Manchester United in the Premier League this weekend.
Liverpool look to maintain their lead at the top of the table when the Reds travel to face their North-West rivals at Old Trafford on Sunday. It is the second meeting between the two teams in quick succession, following a dramatic FA Cup quarter-final tie last month.
A thrilling game, that saw Manchester United win 4-3 in extra time, was marred after tragedy chanting at the game with one man charged with a public order offence after the teams played on 17 March.
Both teams have been involved in tragic events in their respective histories and Klopp has called on both sets of supporters to show class on the terraces.
“It’s super important. I don’t hear it when I’m on the sideline. I heard after the game that it happened and that’s obviously not great,” Klopp said at his pre-match press conference.
“In general, I think it’s helpful that we educate our kids on respect and understanding, all of these type of things.
“I just see that two of the biggest football clubs in the world, let’s just show a bit of class. Don’t sing this or that. Have a fight on the football pitch. If we win or lose, that is fine but have a bit of class, that is my wish for all of us.”
Manchester United’s Ten Hag echoed the comments from the Liverpool manager and said the rivalry between the teams should be discussed for the right reasons.
“It is part of my duty to remind every supporter fortunate enough to be at today’s game that it must be enjoyed in the proper way, and not used as an excuse for abusing rival fans about Hillsborough, Heysel or any other historic tragedies,” he said.
“This is one of the truly great rivalries in world sport, for so many of the right reasons, and it is our responsibility to keep it that way.
“It’s very important. Be behind Manchester United, support us in a positive way. I think there is a fantastic bond between the team and the fans. They are always behind us.
“We saw two weeks ago in that game against Liverpool how much of an effect and an impact we can have in togetherness in a positive way. We are going for it again on Sunday in a positive mood at Old Trafford.”
