Jurgen Klopp speaks out over vile Hillsborough chants aimed at Liverpool fans

Jurgen Klopp has issued a strong response to the recent spate of vile chants about the Hillsborough disaster from opposition fans at Liverpool matches.

High profile fixtures against Manchester City and Manchester United this month have been marred by pockets of supporters singing songs in connection to the 1989 disaster that slur Liverpool supporters. A minute's reflection for the 97 victims was also disrupted by a number of City followers at the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley, with referee Michael Oliver having to cut the silence short and Pep Guardiola later apologising to Liverpool for the incident.

Writing in Liverpool's matchday programme, ahead of Sunday's Merseyside derby against Everton, Klopp said: "As ever, but especially at this time of year, the Hillsborough families and survivors are in the thoughts of everyone at Liverpool FC and I want you to know that you have our total support, which should be a cause for concern for any right-minded, compassionate person, regardless of which team they are associated with.

"Throughout my career as a player and a manager, I have always tried to be as positive as I possibly can be about football supporters. Not for PR or for selfish reasons; it is because, more than anything else, I am a football supporter myself and because I know the unbelievable difference that fans make to a sport that I absolutely love.

"I never expected perfection but I always believe that in general supporters will be a force for good because that is almost always what they are. Which is why I am unbelievably disappointed that of late we have heard more and more songs being sung about the Hillsborough disaster. Really? The deaths of 97 people in a tragedy is now something that can be mocked? How