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Liverpool v Cardiff City: Malky Mackay arrives for what is likely to be his final game in charge as fans begin protests against Vincent Tan

Mackay gave fans the thumbs up before disappearing back down the tunnel as they chanted their support for the Scot

Carl Markham
Saturday 21 December 2013 13:34 GMT
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Vincent Tan (right) in happier times with Malky Mackay (centre) as they celebrate a Cardiff victory
Vincent Tan (right) in happier times with Malky Mackay (centre) as they celebrate a Cardiff victory

Cardiff manager Malky Mackay arrived at Anfield to face Liverpool in what could be his last match in charge of the club.

As the former Watford boss emerged from the team coach he gave a brief thumbs up to fans before disappearing into the stadium.

Prior to the bus's arrival supporters who had made the trip up from south Wales sang a song along the lines of 'Don't sack Mackay....if you do you'll have a riot on your hands'.

A chaotic day on Friday saw the Bluebirds' boss fail to attend his pre-match press conference after details of an email from owner Vincent Tan asking for him to resign or be sacked emerged hours earlier.

Press Association Sport understands Tan, who is expected to attend the game, flew into the UK late yesterday to hold talks with chairman Mehmet Dalman, whom Mackay regards as a close ally.

Mackay later emerged onto the Anfield pitch and his appearance was immediately greeted with cheers and chants of his name from the few fans who were already inside the stadium.

The Cardiff manager looked relaxed and even managed a laugh or two with members of his backroom team as they gathered in a group.

He then spent several minutes on his mobile phone before waving to acknowledge the growing away end singing his name.

Having not spoken to the press on Friday, Mackay carried out a pre-match interview with BT Sport on Saturday.

"My duty is to my team, coming up against a team like Liverpool, the focus is on the job in hand," he said.

On the support he has received he added: "It's been quite humbling, a lot of people in a very good position have said some nice and kind things. It's nice to hear but I need to make sure I do my job properly."

And asked if he had a message for the fans, he said: "The message doesn't change. Support your team, get behind the team."

PA

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