Klopp and Ten Hag issue joint statement on tragedy chants ahead of Liverpool FC vs Manchester United

Jurgen Klopp and Erik ten Hag have issued a joint statement calling for an end to ‘tragedy chanting’ in football ahead of tomorrow’s clash between the two sides. Manchester United travel to face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday afternoon, and neither club wishes for the game to be marred by any vile chanting.

In a heartfelt statement released by both clubs, the rival managers called for an end to the disgusting chants and online abuse relating to tragic events such as Munich, Heysel and Hillsborough, urging supporters to eradicate such behaviour and focus on creating a special atmosphere worthy of the occasion.

A statement issued by Ten Hag read: "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.

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"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."

Klopp echoed those thoughts with his own statement: "One of the main reasons why the rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United is so special is that it is so intense and no one should ever want to change this. But at the same time when the rivalry becomes too intense it can go to places that are not good for anyone and we do not need this.

"We do want the noise, we do want the