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5 goals, 7 assists & 1,600+ minutes – Liverpool FC in March international break

2 hours 24 min ago

Across the international break, Liverpool’s players clocked up a combined total of over 1600 minutes, with two left-backs returning to Merseyside injured.

Andy Robertson is the notable worry, having limped off in Scotland’s game against Northern Ireland with an ankle injury.

Loanee Owen Beck was the other player to return, as a groin injury prevented him from playing any part of Wales’ Euros-qualifying playoff matches.

Here is a quick look at how the Reds’ internationals got on throughout the March break.

Minutes played

2J1HGP2 Bucharest, Romania. 25th Mar, 2022. Kostas Tsimikas #21 of Greece and Pantelis Hatzidiakos #17 of Greece during the Friendly match between the national teams of Romania and Greece at Steaua Stadium in Bucharest, Romania. 25.03.2022. Photo: Copyright 2020, Credit: Cronos/Alamy Live News

2J1HGP2 Bucharest, Romania. 25th Mar, 2022. Kostas Tsimikas #21 of Greece and Pantelis Hatzidiakos #17 of Greece during the Friendly match between the national teams of Romania and Greece at Steaua Stadium in Bucharest, Romania. 25.03.2022. Photo: Copyright 2020, Credit: Cronos/Alamy Live News

Thankfully, there were just three Liverpool players who played the full amount of minutes possible for their national sides this break.

Kostas Tsimikas‘ two-legged Euros playoff ended in disappointment as his Greece team were upset on penalties by Georgia – the left-back didn’t take a spot-kick.

Tsimikas – 210
Van Dijk – 180
Szoboszlai – 180
Bradley – 173
Diaz – 156
Robertson – 127
Gomez – 103
Kelly – 99
Gakpo – 97
Konate – 90
Kelleher – 90
Mac Allister – 77
Endo – 32
Jaros – 0

Under 21s:
Elliott – 164
Koumas – 115
Miles – 90
Quansah – 90
Morton – 90

Under 20s:
Chambers – 102
Gordon – 65
Clark – 34

Under 18s:
Danns – 209
Nallo – 192
Nyoni – 77

Goals

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Conor Bradley managed his first senior international goal with this brilliant effort against Scotland, the only goal of the game. Whisper it quietly but this may have taken a deflection – we’re giving Bradley credit, though.

Szoboszlai – 2
Mac Allister – 1
Bradley – 1
Koumas – 1

Assists

That pass from Harvey Elliott was pure filth. #EnglandU21 #England #Luxembourg pic.twitter.com/93VBQeSP0r

— David Randall? (@DavidJRandall) March 26, 2024

Cody Gakpo put in a strong performance, setting up former-Red Gini Wijnaldum for his second assist in a 4-0 win over Scotland.

Luis Diaz‘s dribble and cross for Colombia’s winner against Spain was special and showed the immense talent he possesses on the ball.

Gakpo – 2
Elliott – 2
Morton – 2
Diaz – 1

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Categories: LFC NEWS

No new injuries, Anfield at its best & 4 more things Liverpool need to win the league

Wed, 03/27/2024 - 18:30

With just 10 games to go, Liverpool still have their Premier League destiny in their hands, but what do we need to be saying our Hail Marys for to ensure Jurgen Klopp gets his fairytale ending?

The Reds have found themselves in a position few backed them to be in seven months ago, keeping pace with the leaders despite a host of unfortunate injury issues.

Such fitness problems have been the undoing of Klopp’s Liverpool in years gone by, including as recently as last season and two years earlier behind closed doors.

It seems the players are currently hell-bent on not allowing any obstacles to knock them off track in their pursuit of history, but there will undoubtedly be twists and turns to come between now and May.

We’re taking a look at some of the controllables – and uncontrollables – that could dictate whether Liverpool could end this extraordinary era of the football club with a record-equalling 20th league crown.

No more big injuries

 Liverpool's Diogo Jota is carried off with an injury during the FA Premier League match between Brentford FC and Liverpool FC at the Brentford Community Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

 Liverpool's Diogo Jota is carried off with an injury during the FA Premier League match between Brentford FC and Liverpool FC at the Brentford Community Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Liverpool have coped with adversity admirably to this point, but the strains of battling on multiple fronts could yet bite them if fortunes don’t improve soon.

Recent months have proved that the youth and fringe players can be called upon to do a more-than-adequate job when required, but the sheer volume of fixtures in the coming weeks will really stretch that depth to its limits.

The international break has, for once, fallen at a favourable time for the manager, and he will be hopeful of getting the best versions of the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson, Ibrahima Konate and Curtis Jones back when we return.

It may be too late for this, with Andy Robertson picking up an issue on Scotland duty, but in Joe Gomez and Kostas Tsimikas there is excellent cover.

A bit of luck wouldn’t go amiss as we approach the run-in!

Arsenal and Man City to draw

 Manchester City's Erling Haaland (R) is challenged by Arsenal's Gabriel Magalhães during the FA Cup 4th Round match between Manchester City FC and Arsenal FC at the City of Manchester Stadium. Man City won 1-0. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

 Manchester City's Erling Haaland (R) is challenged by Arsenal's Gabriel Magalhães during the FA Cup 4th Round match between Manchester City FC and Arsenal FC at the City of Manchester Stadium. Man City won 1-0. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

While Arsenal gave themselves a fractional initiative heading into the break, Liverpool are still more than handily placed for when Brighton visit on Easter Sunday.

The Gunners will travel to Pep Guardiola’s Man City for a meeting that takes place immediately after our home clash with the Seagulls, and crucially, they can’t both win that one.

Should we take care of business earlier in the day, the table will make for prettier reading regardless of what happens in Manchester.

But a draw would see both sides drop points and put the Reds very much back in the driving seat.

8 wins from 10

It is a rare instance in which the race to the finish features three horses rather than two, meaning that near-perfection will be required to rack up the necessary points tally.

Eight wins and a draw on the home straight would see Liverpool end the campaign with 93 points, a number you’d expect many fans would deal on given the respective fixture lists that still lie ahead.

How many points would you take to get it done?

Forwards to keep firing

 Liverpool's two-goal hero Darwin Núñez celebrates after scoring the second goal during the FA Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Liverpool FC at St James' Park. Liverpool won 2-1. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

 Liverpool's two-goal hero Darwin Núñez celebrates after scoring the second goal during the FA Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Liverpool FC at St James' Park. Liverpool won 2-1. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Much of Liverpool’s recent success has been built upon the excellent form of the attacking players, with 16 goals coming in just six games throughout February in all competitions.

Mohamed Salah‘s latest impressive goalscoring campaign could yet conceivably see him end with the Premier League‘s Golden Boot should he pick up where he left off before the Africa Cup of Nations.

Darwin Nunez is also enjoying a rich vein of form and is continuously improving as each month ticks by, proving himself to be the man for the big moments by scoring more winning goals than anyone else in the division so far in 2023/24.

And we could still see a telling impact from Diogo Jota before the season’s end, with the No. 20 now nearing a return from injury.

Results away to the enemies

 Liverpool's Mohamed Salah (L) celebrates with team-mate Luis Díaz after scoring the second goal during the FA Cup Quarter-Final match between Manchester United FC and Liverpool FC at Old Trafford. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

 Liverpool's Mohamed Salah (L) celebrates with team-mate Luis Díaz after scoring the second goal during the FA Cup Quarter-Final match between Manchester United FC and Liverpool FC at Old Trafford. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Goodison Park and Old Trafford have typically been two of the very few haunts that the manager has struggled to fully master, but those trips could prove pivotal if we are to get to where we need to be.

Everton and Man United present arguably the two biggest tests between now and the final day, and the latter will be willing to move heaven and earth to prevent us matching their tally of 20 league titles.

Our blue neighbours will be equally keen to see us fall at the final hurdle – whilst having their own battles to contend with at the other end of the spectrum, shall we say.

Their respective motivation won’t make things easy, but championships aren’t given away easily and Liverpool simply have to overcome the challenges they will present if they are to earn the prize they want the most.

Anfield at its best

 Liverpool's Darwin Nunez celebrates after scoring his side's third goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Burnley FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 3-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

 Liverpool's Darwin Nunez celebrates after scoring his side's third goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Burnley FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 3-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Much has been made of the home atmosphere in recent years, with some believing that it has fallen off while others argue that we have a false perception of the past.

Wherever you sit on it, since Klopp gave us another of his famous tickings off in December Anfield has been exceptional when it has been needed most.

Liverpool’s youngsters were carried over the line at Wembley by a defiant rendition of ‘Allez Allez Allez’ during extra time, while we enjoyed a return to the ‘good old days’ during an exceptional second-half performance against Man City.

We have a maximum of seven home games left to enjoy under the great man – there is simply no excuse for Anfield not to be a bear pit all the way to the very end.

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Categories: LFC NEWS

“No talks” for Toulouse, Robertson scan & heart-warming Klopp – Latest LFC News

Wed, 03/27/2024 - 17:02

As the international break finally begins to wind down, we can finally take stock of where Liverpool are up to ahead of their match against Brighton.

Toulouse not in the picture

With Fenway Sports Group looking to expand their “football portfolio”, reports emerged on Tuesday that the Liverpool owners were looking to acquire Toulouse.

However, on Wednesday the Liverpool Echo‘s Dave Powell, who is a good source for news relating to FSG, said: “Contrary to some reports, FSG not looking at acquiring Toulouse. No talks held. None planned.”

 Liverpool's owner John W. Henry and owner Tom Werner during the 214th Merseyside Derby match against Everton at Goodison Park. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

 Liverpool's owner John W. Henry and owner Tom Werner during the 214th Merseyside Derby match against Everton at Goodison Park. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

This dismissal of the Toulouse links doesn’t mean that FSG won’t be looking at other clubs, though.

To help with the acquisition of another club, the Reds’ owners are reportedly targeting Benfica’s technical director, Pedro Marques, as per the Athletic‘s David Ornstein.

Michael Edwards‘ appointment was also made with a view to him having influence over more than just Liverpool.

3 things today

An excellent response by @ManUtd regards tackling tragedy chanting and delighted we can work in collaboration through education with #RealTruthLegacyProject @LFCFoundation @MU_Foundation pic.twitter.com/3jq8FOVZQ1

— lan Byrne MP (@IanByrneMP) March 27, 2024

  • Man United have vowed “strong club sanctions” for fans who sing about tragedies, and have agreed to a “joint education programme” with Liverpool – the full letter is above
  • For Scotland, Andy Robertson limped off with an ankle injury on Tuesday night and a scan should reveal how long he faces out – everyone have their fingers crossed, please
  • Luis Diaz Sr. has claimed big Spanish “clubs are active” in monitoring his son, the Liverpool No. 7 – read the full context here
Latest Liverpool FC news

Klopp has written to a young fan that is struggling with anxiety.

When we say this means more, this is exactly what we mean. He is far more than a coach, a football manager, an employee of the club.

He is one of us, and he always will be.

Jürgen Klopp ?? pic.twitter.com/rSk007VRFg

— Ben (@SMXLFC) March 26, 2024

  • As above, Jurgen Klopp wrote a heartwarming letter replying to a young fan who was struggling with anxiety – there’s a few things we can all take from his words
  • Forest first-team coach Steven Reid has been banned by the FA for an expletive-laden rant at referee Paul Tierney after Liverpool’s 1-0 victory – maybe he should have focused his energy on his own team
  • Liverpool Women manager Matt Beard says Jasmine Matthews “will be out for about 21 days,” but Taylor Hinds is “back in training this week” – the Reds host Man City at Prenton Park at 12.30pm on Saturday
  • Cody Gakpo has told Voetbal International, via Voetbal Belgie, that he is “not really concerned” by debate about his transition to life at Liverpool – he’s ‘someone who always looks at what can he do better and how can he develop himself’
Latest chat from elsewhere

 Belga News Agency/Alamy Live News

 Belga News Agency/Alamy Live News
  • Romeo Lavia will miss the rest of the campaign due to his thigh injury sustained in December – we dodged a bullet there
  • After Wales lost on penalties to Poland meaning they will miss out on Euro 2024, manager Rob Page has said he “absolutely” wants to stay on as boss
  • Man City‘s John Stones may not be fit to play Arsenal on Sunday after picking up a problem with England – it is unclear whether this is a ‘real’ injury or one that means he gets a rest before the big match
Video of the day and match of the night

At his mural unveiling, This Is Anfield spoke to Robbie Fowler about how to effectively work with a sporting director, Jurgen Klopp‘s successor and Liverpool’s management of young players.

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Match of the night is Chelsea Women vs. Ajax Women in the Champions League quarter-finals.

The Blues lead 3-0 from the first leg and you can watch the return fixture at 8pm (UK) on TNT Sports 1.

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Categories: LFC NEWS

Darwin Nunez injury boost as Liverpool legend meets “old friend” at the AXA

Wed, 03/27/2024 - 16:32

Former Liverpool forward Maxi Rodriguez has provided an injury update of sorts on Darwin Nunez, after meeting his “old friend” at the AXA Training Centre.

Nunez was forced to pull out of the Uruguay squad for this month’s friendlies against the Basque Country and the Ivory Coast with a minor injury, but was expected to be fit for the visit of Brighton.

That appears to be the case, with the 24-year-old pictured outside at the AXA Training Centre as Liverpool returned to work on Wednesday.

He was accompanied by a former team-mate in Rodriguez, who played alongside a teenage Nunez on eight occasions for Uruguayan club Penarol in 2018.

“I met an old friend at Liverpool’s training session,” Rodriguez wrote on Twitter.

En el entrenamiento del @LFC me encontré con un viejo amigo ??@Darwinn99 ?? ?
I met and old friend at Liverpool’s training session pic.twitter.com/vUsy5a904H

— Maxi Rodríguez (@MR11ok) March 27, 2024

Having only retired in 2021, at the age of 40, the Argentine is currently on Merseyside after featuring for Liverpool’s legends side against Ajax on Saturday.

He started on the wing in a team also including the likes of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, with the charity match ending in a 4-2 victory for the Reds.

While it is as yet unclear whether Nunez took part in full training, the expectation is that he has and will be available to start against Brighton on Sunday.

 Liverpool's Mohamed Salah (L) and Darwin Núñez during a training session at the AXA Training Centre ahead of the UEFA Europa League Group E match between LASK and Liverpool FC. (Pic by Andrew Yeats/Propaganda)

 Liverpool's Mohamed Salah (L) and Darwin Núñez during a training session at the AXA Training Centre ahead of the UEFA Europa League Group E match between LASK and Liverpool FC. (Pic by Andrew Yeats/Propaganda)

Mohamed Salah also missed international duty this month but did so with a view to focusing on his long-term fitness and, therefore, will also be in contention.

There were no injuries for either Luis Diaz or Cody Gakpo while away with Colombia or the Netherlands respectively, while Diogo Jota is not far from a return either.

That could leave Jurgen Klopp with a full complement of senior forwards for the majority of the run-in, which could prove key as Liverpool fight for the Premier League and Europa League between now and the end of May.

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How a legendary Liverpool goalkeeper went viral – with millions of views worldwide

Wed, 03/27/2024 - 14:30

Legendary Liverpool goalkeeper Tommy Lawrence was a hero in the 1960s, but it took a chance meeting for 21st-century supporters to really celebrate him.

In his new book ‘Sweeper Keeper’, author Peter Kenny Jones tells the life story of Lawrence with the help of his family and those who knew Bill Shankly‘s No. 1.

Lawrence featured 390 times for Liverpool, playing a key part in the Reds’ league title successes in 1963/64 and 1965/66, as well as the club’s first-ever FA Cup win in 1965.

Despite his successes, in the 21st century he has arguably become best known for a 2015 vox pop with a BBC reporter on the streets of Liverpool.

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Watch the clip above

Reaching hundreds of millions of viewers, the clip shows a journalist asking members of the public if they remembered a 1967 Merseyside derby that was shown on a big screen at Anfield, as the fifth-round tie was being held at Goodison Park.

Unknowingly, the reporter had asked Liverpool’s goalkeeper on the day, Lawrence, who replied: “I do [remember it], I played in it!”

It was a moment that made his name national news again, and allowed younger supporters to learn about his playing exploits before he passed away aged 77 in January 2018.

 1966/67 Back row: Geoff Strong, Chris Lawler, Tommy Lawrence, Gerry Byrne, Tommy Smith. Front row: Ian Callaghan, Roger Hunt, Gordon Milne, Ron Yeats, Peter Thompson, Ian St John, Willie Stevenson

 1966/67 Back row: Geoff Strong, Chris Lawler, Tommy Lawrence, Gerry Byrne, Tommy Smith. Front row: Ian Callaghan, Roger Hunt, Gordon Milne, Ron Yeats, Peter Thompson, Ian St John, Willie Stevenson

Looking back at the event, author Jones told This Is Anfield: “It’s easy to forget who these players are and why they’re so popular and famous back in the day.

“He was a very important player that was probably forgotten by time. It goes in the book that he fell on hard times, but this gave him the moment in the spotlight again.”

After the incident, Lawrence’s fame increased massively, with Jones recalling: “A couple of years later, really right before he passed away, [his family] go ‘I’ll go and pick the car up, we’ll come back round and get you’.

“He was mobbed by fans. It gave him that reinvigoration of that, you know, he was an important player at this club.”

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Gordon Wallace and George Scott were team-mates of Lawrence’s in his early days at Liverpool, with the former making his debut in the same match, a 1-0 defeat at West Brom in October 1962.

After the famous interview in 2015, Lawrence returned home, where his son asked what he had been up to that day.

Scott revealed he replied: “‘Nothing, son. I’ve just been in Liverpool by Marks and Spencer; met some reporter, had a chat with them, nothing much’.

“Next minute, the six o’clock news came on and there’s Tommy all over the six o’clock news. Next day, it’s viral all over the world on Twitter!”

Talking about his new book, ‘Sweeper Keeper’, Jones said: “I think for Tommy, there’s that entry level – that video. I think everyone has seen it, I don’t think you’ll find many people who haven’t referred to that video.

“There’s a story behind him, you know, he was part of that first Shankly team. He was also part of the Shankly team that changed, that then went on to become Ray Clemence and the rest of the squad that went on to win everything with Bob Paisley.

 (back row, l-r) Alf Arrowsmith, Ronnie Moran, Gerry Byrne, Ian Callaghan; (front row, l-r) Roger Hunt, Gordon Milne, Ian St John, Tommy Lawrence, Peter Thompson, Wilf Stevenson, Ron Yeats. 1964. (TopFoto/PA Images)

 (back row, l-r) Alf Arrowsmith, Ronnie Moran, Gerry Byrne, Ian Callaghan; (front row, l-r) Roger Hunt, Gordon Milne, Ian St John, Tommy Lawrence, Peter Thompson, Wilf Stevenson, Ron Yeats. 1964. (TopFoto/PA Images)

“If you want to know about that side of it, then obviously it’s a great access into that, but then [too] how footballers at this time were treated by the game and how they weren’t given the protection in terms of injuries.

“Shankly hated injured players, [Tommy] wasn’t given a testimonial. You know, he was forgotten by football and if it wasn’t for that interview which put him straight back in popular culture, he probably would have been forgotten.

“This is important that his story is remembered. It was important to his family, it’s important to any Liverpool fan just to know, like, he was a really important player in our history.”

You can buy a copy of ‘Sweeper Keeper’ by Peter Kenny Jones here.

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Categories: LFC NEWS

Scotland manager ignored Jurgen Klopp ‘request’ before Andy Robertson injury

Wed, 03/27/2024 - 13:23

As his Liverpool squad headed for the international break, Jurgen Klopp made a hopeful request to their managers – but Andy Robertson now returns injured.

Liverpool saw 25 players in total called up for their national teams this month, with 17 of those coming from the first-team squad.

The majority of countries took in two friendlies, rather than the usual qualifiers, which landed during an unforgiven schedule for clubs around Europe.

After Liverpool signed off with a 4-3 defeat at Man United in the FA Cup, Klopp expressed his hope that national team managers would take caution with their players.

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“I think most of them have friendlies, but I cannot make these decisions for the managers, most of them we don’t speak the same language,” he told reporters.

“They want them in the best possible shape for the summer, most of them play [in summer tournaments], so I hope they don’t have to play two games, 90 minutes.

“That would be helpful, but it’s not in my hands.”

Scotland manager Steve Clarke is one of those who does share a common language with Klopp, but Robertson started both of his country’s friendlies this month.

 Scotland's Andy Robertson during an International Friendly match between Scotland and England at Hampden Park. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

 Scotland's Andy Robertson during an International Friendly match between Scotland and England at Hampden Park. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

The captain played 90 minutes in 4-0 loss to the Netherlands on Friday, before being forced off with an ankle injury after 37 minutes in the 1-0 loss to Northern Ireland on Tuesday.

Two starts in five days, with Robertson operating as a left wing-back in Clarke’s 3-4-2-1 system, while Celtic left-back Greg Taylor failed to play a single minute.

Robertson will now undergo a scan on Merseyside to determine the extent of his injury, with his reaction as he walked off the pitch at Hampden Park already prompting speculation over an early end to his season.

Given Scotland will participate in the Euros this summer – for only the fourth time in their history – there could be concern over his involvement in Germany.

 Steve Clarke, Head Coach of Scotland looks on prior to the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group D match between Croatia and Scotland at Hampden Park on June 22, 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Jan Kruger - UEFA)

 Steve Clarke, Head Coach of Scotland looks on prior to the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group D match between Croatia and Scotland at Hampden Park on June 22, 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Jan Kruger - UEFA)

That would prove self-defeating when it came to Clarke’s selection process for two friendlies which are ultimately meaningless, sticking with a player – albeit his captain – who was already a guaranteed starter for both games rather than trying out new faces.

It was certainly not a case of keeping him fresh, with Scotland still to play two warmup games against Gibraltar and Finland before the tournament in June.

Robertson was not the only Liverpool player to start two games for his country this month, with Virgil van Dijk, Luis Diaz, Dominik Szoboszlai, Conor Bradley and Kostas Tsimikas also doing so.

Van Dijk and Szoboszlai played the full 90 minutes as captain in both games for the Netherlands and Hungary respectively, while Tsimikas clocked 210 minutes against Kazakhstan and Georgia as Greece’s playoff final ran through extra time.

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Categories: LFC NEWS

Full statement as Man United pledge new action on tragedy chanting with Liverpool

Wed, 03/27/2024 - 12:19

Man United have pledged their renewed commitment to tackle tragedy chanting in their games, after more ugly scenes during the FA Cup clash with Liverpool.

Throughout Man United‘s 4-3 win over Liverpool in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup earlier in March, vile chants could be heard inside Old Trafford.

Chants of ‘murderers’ and ‘always the victims’ were audible during Sky Sports’ broadcast of the tie, with it clear that it was a matter of hundreds, if not thousands, of fans, rather than a handful.

Ian Byrne, Labour MP for West Derby, contacted Man United to discuss the matter and their plans to curb any further tragedy chanting, with chief executive officer Patrick Stewart responding on Tuesday.

An excellent response by @ManUtd regards tackling tragedy chanting and delighted we can work in collaboration through education with #RealTruthLegacyProject @LFCFoundation @MU_Foundation pic.twitter.com/3jq8FOVZQ1

— lan Byrne MP (@IanByrneMP) March 27, 2024

In a letter shared by Byrne on Twitter, Stewart vowed “strong club sanctions” alongside any criminal action, as well as a “joint education programme” in tandem with Liverpool.

The statement reads:

“On behalf of the club, let me reiterate our strong condemnation of the unacceptable chants that were heard from some fans against Liverpool FC.

“Ahead of the game and afterwards, we have made our feelings clear by reiterating the comments made by both managers in a joint statement last season, as well as providing our unequivocal support for the statements by The Football Assocation and Greater Manchester Police condemning this behaviour.

 Police with riot helmets seen outside the stadium before the FA Cup Quarter-Final match between Manchester United FC and Liverpool FC at Old Trafford. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

 Police with riot helmets seen outside the stadium before the FA Cup Quarter-Final match between Manchester United FC and Liverpool FC at Old Trafford. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

“We are working closely with Greatest Manchester Police to identify those responsible and will back up any criminal action with strong club sanctions as we seek to eradicate this issue from our game.

“Football must stand together on this subject, and we applaud your campaign to raise awareness of the realities of what happened on that terrible day at Hillsborough in 1989, particularly among those too young to remember.

“To this end, we have formed a working group between Manchester United and Liverpool FC to explore the delivery of a joint education programme aimed at educating young people through the Manchester United and Liverpool FC Foundations.

“We are hopeful we can announce this programme ahead of the Premier League fixture on April 7, and subsequently roll it out in our respective partner schools across the two city regions. It would make sense for us to connect with your campaign as part of this plan and I have suggested that to my colleagues who are leading this forward.

 Liverpool supporters celebrate during the FA Cup Quarter-Final match between Manchester United FC and Liverpool FC at Old Trafford. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

 Liverpool supporters celebrate during the FA Cup Quarter-Final match between Manchester United FC and Liverpool FC at Old Trafford. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

“We have no desire to subdue the great rivalry that will always exist between Manchester United and Liverpool FC, but we do firmly believe it should take place in a spirit of mutual respect for our shared histories of achievement and tragedies.

“Thank you again for getting in touch and please be assured of our openness to continued dialogue on this matter, as part of our wider engagement with community stakeholders to educate people on this issue alongside Liverpool FC.

“We wish you well in your campaign and look forward to working collectively to change behaviours on this issue.”

Liverpool visit Old Trafford in the Premier League on April 7, with there clearly hopes of a more respectful atmosphere among the two sets of supporters.

With the most high-profile charge following the FA Cup clash being for 44-year-old Michael Bernard Avery of Manchester, however, the emphasis on educating young people in particular could be seen as misplaced.

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Categories: LFC NEWS