Jurgen Klopp, the manager of Liverpool Football Club, was deeply moved by the minute of silence held at Anfield on Sunday to remember the 97 Liverpool fans who were killed in the Hillsborough disaster of 1989. The tragedy, which occurred 34 years ago, is still remembered as the UK’s worst sporting disaster. Klopp praised the Arsenal fans for their “touching” tribute prior to the 2-2 draw, noting that it was “the most respectful minute of silence [he had] ever witnessed”.
Klopp and Liverpool club captain Jordan Henderson will pay further tribute to the 97 at Anfield on Saturday. However, this season has seen a rise in tragedy chanting and the Premier League is taking steps to address this “unacceptable issue” as a priority. In April, Liverpool released a statement condemning such chants after some Chelsea fans sang songs related to the Hillsborough disaster during their 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge. The Football Association also expressed concerns over the rise of “abhorrent chants” in November, while Manchester United and Leeds United “strongly condemned” chants about historic tragedies when they met at Elland Road.
Klopp expressed his dismay at such behaviour, saying that football supporters can be a “really mean group” and that they often target people’s weak points. He noted that this type of behaviour is not exclusive to football, but can be seen in sports in general. It is clear that Klopp is deeply affected by the tragedy and is determined to ensure that those who lost their lives are remembered and respected.