Jurgen Klopp has told Liverpool and Manchester United fans to “show a bit of class” and ditch tragedy chanting ahead of Sunday’s showdown at Old Trafford.
Two United fans were arrested for taunting Liverpool supporters over the 1989 Hillsborough disaster at last month’s FA Cup game at Old Trafford. United supporters have also been targeted over the 1958 Munich air crash and the clubs have joined forces to clamp down on the problem.
“I think it’s super important,” said the Liverpool boss. “It’s just helpful that we educate our kids in specific things – respect, understanding, all these kinds of things.
“Let’s just show a bit of class in these moments, so don’t sing this or that, just show class. Have a fight on the pitch, let’s just play football, if you want be happy, if you lose, whatever, but besides all that, just show a bit of class. That would be my wish really for all of us.”
Klopp also dismissed claims Liverpool have an easier run-in than Arsenal and Manchester City in the title race. He has no time for such talk and Liverpool have lost their last two visits to Old Trafford, have won one of their six previous trips to Goodison Park and their draw at home to Tottenham two years ago helped cost them the title.
“I looked at our schedule and someone said we had the best fixture list or schedule and I really don’t know how you can have that idea,” he said. “Maybe I’m too negative? It’s a tough one, but we’re ready. We want to be in that fight so let’s see what we can make of it.”
Liverpool survived scares in their last two wins over Sheffield United and Brighton and Klopp wants players and fans to embrace being in the title race. “When we became champions, it was decided pretty early, but otherwise probably Manchester City are here or there,” he said.
“But most of the time, they’re tight races, and it looks like being another tight race.
