Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has urged the club’s supporters to show respect to Roma fans ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final at Anfield.
Klopp is eager to avoid a repeat of the unsavoury scenes that occurred before Liverpool’s quarter-final clash at home to Manchester City earlier this month when the visitors’ team bus was damaged by objects thrown by home supporters, including cans, bottles and flares.
Two police officers were injured following the incident outside Anfield, with Liverpool apologising to City prior to kickoff.
Liverpool supporters damaged the Manchester City team bus earlier this month
Objects including cans, bottles and flares were thrown at the City bus before the game
In a video message, Klopp called upon Liverpool fans to create a fervent atmosphere inside the ground but to give respect to Roma before and after the game.
Klopp said: ‘Hello, Jurgen Klopp here.
‘I want to send a message to all the Liverpool supporters who will be at Anfield on Tuesday night, but also those who will be in and around the city in the build up of the game.
‘You have a reputation in world football as being world class. Passion, spirit, humour, but most of all warm and welcoming.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp addressed supporters in a video message before the game
Klopp called upon Liverpool supporters to respect Roma fans on Tuesday night
The Reds boss wants his club’s fans to create a positive atmosphere inside the ground
Klopp pointed out that Liverpool have nothing but total respect for Roma
Klopp wants Liverpool fans to focus on supporting their team during this crucial game
‘You make football about joy, and this is an occasion where we should embrace the moment and make it special. But for all the right reasons.’
Liverpool, who boast a rich European history, are seeking to win the Champions League for the first time since 2005 and have produced some excellent performances in the competition this season.
Klopp wants Liverpool fans to channel all their support towards the team rather than focusing on the opposition.
He said: ‘Here at Melwood, the players, plus me and my staff have nothing but total respect for our opponents AS Roma. We respect them as people and as professionals.
‘I know all true Liverpool supporters feel exactly the same. We want to beat them on the football pitch, but off the field we show respect.
‘So, ahead of Tuesday I say let’s channel all our passion, all our support towards our team, our club.
‘Anfield on a European night under the lights, semi-final. It’s about showing our very best to the world, all of us together.
‘The 90 minutes is when we are opponents, the rest of the time they are our guests and we are their hosts.
‘The atmosphere inside Anfield has been the true star of this European campaign and on behalf of everyone involved with the team I say thank you.
‘And let’s go again. You’ll never walk alone.’
Extra security will be in place for the game but Liverpool will hope that the focus in purely on matters on the pitch, where they will be looking to take a significant step towards reaching the final.
Liverpool have played some superb, dynamic football at times this season and the game will be a special occasion for Mohamed Salah, who takes on his former club.