Jürgen Klopp urges fans to show ‘common sense’ and avoid trouble in Rome after Anfield attack in Liverpool

A 53-year-old Liverpool fan is in a critical condition after being attacked outside Anfield ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg

Timothy Abraham
Friday 27 April 2018 11:43 BST
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Jürgen Klopp believes fans should 'behave like how you want to be treated yourself'
Jürgen Klopp believes fans should 'behave like how you want to be treated yourself' (Getty)

Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has urged supporters travelling to Rome next week to show “common sense” amid concerns of potential trouble.

The Reds have requested an extraordinary meeting amid security fears over the Champions League semi-final second leg in the Italian capital next Wednesday.

Liverpool beat Roma 5-2 in the first leg at Anfield on Tuesday although the result was overshadowed by some extent after supporter Sean Cox was left in critical condition after being injured by Italian fans.

Liverpool have been allocated 5,000 tickets at Stadio Olimpico but more fans without tickets are expected to make the trip to Rome.

“I think the game on Tuesday showed the beauty of the game during the game and showed its most ugly face of parts of the game before the game,” Klopp said.

“When I first heard of it I cannot describe my emotions in English still. It should never have happened, it should never have happened before and it should not happen in the future and we all have to do everything to make sure things like that will not happen anymore.

“I am pretty sure everyone who is involved in keeping all people there safe that they do their best and in a modern world it will be possible. I am not too concerned about that but I really ask for responsibility of everyone. It is a football game, not more, more less, so let's play football.

“It is common sense. It is easy to say: behave like how you want to be treated yourself. If you are in the street you want to be safe, that's how it is.

“The rest can be really nice atmosphere-wise, as we had in our stadium (which was) outstandingly good and we expect a fantastic atmosphere in Rome as well.

“They had a few big games there recently and they were spot-on but around the stadium no-one should think about anything else other than the game. I am sure the different departments involved in that will do everything and it will be fine.”

Liverpool have sold 5,000 tickets for the second leg (Getty)

Meanwhile, Liverpool forward Sadio Mane’s injury is “not serious” and he could even feature in Saturday’s Premier League clash against Stoke City.

There had been rumours the Senegal international could miss the rest of the campaign with a thigh problem picked up in the 5-2 first leg win over Roma.

However, Klopp played down the extent of the blow to the 26-year-old.

“Of course there is something. We will see,” Klopp said.

“It is not that serious; there is a chance for tomorrow. If we use that chance or not… it is quite early in the day.

“In these times, you always have to use each second and each minute, speak to the player, speak to the doctor, speak to the physiotherapists and all that stuff.

“At the end, you have to make a decision and I will make a decision.”

Liverpool Under-18s manager Steve Gerrard is being linked with the Rangers job (Getty)

Klopp also said he can understand why Rangers are keen to appoint Steven Gerrard as their new manager.

Gerrard, 37, is a youth development coach at Liverpool’s Academy and is understood to contemplating an offer to take over at Ibrox.

“I am not worried. Because if and it’s a big if something happens we were always clear is a Liverpool legend,” Klopp added.

“Whatever he wants to do we support him. I don’t know the situation at the moment. Nobody told me.

“I can imagine clubs are interested in signing Stevie. He has massive experiences as player and now he is a manager. I would think about him if I was the owner of the club.

“One day it will happen, here or somewhere else. It’s his decision. We will support him.”

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