Jurgen Klopp calls on Liverpool supporters to behave in Rome

Jurgen Klopp has called for Liverpool supporters travelling to Rome to behave with sense and responsibility as he paid an emotional tribute to Sean Cox.

Mr Cox, a 53-year-old Irishman, remains in Walton Neurological Centre after an unprovoked attack by two Roma fans before the first leg of the Champions League semi-final. His condition is critical but stable.

Klopp was horrified to learn about the incident on Tuesday but, as a delegation from Liverpool have headed to Rome today for a meeting with the authorities to guarantee the safety of Liverpool fans in Italy, the manager called for calm while wearing an Irish tricolour Liverbird during his press conference on Friday in tribute to Mr Cox. 

‘I think the game on Tuesday showed the beauty of the game during the game and showed it’s 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 any more.

‘I obviously don’t have the solution for it, probably no-one has that, but it is unbelievable that something like this can happen. As you can imagine all our thoughts and prayers at this moment are with Sean and his family.’ 

Liverpool supporter Sean Cox (right) is in a critical condition after being attacked on Tuesday 

Roma supporters attacked Mr Cox outside Anfield ahead of their clash on Tuesday

The away fans brandished belts during the unprovoked attack before Champions League tie

Klopp insisted that nothing should be more important than the action on the pitch and claimed he expects an atmosphere similar to the one created at Anfield on Tuesday night.

‘There are few really difficult situations in the life of a manager. I’ve not been in a situation like that but everyone tells me it is quite difficult there (Rome) – not the sports side, that is difficult for sure but it is no problem – but about the rest I can’t say anything as I never experienced like that.

‘It is only football, only football, and I never understood people who did not understand that fact. I never my whole life thought it is nice that they have a fight next to a stadium or whatever. 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, not less, so let’s play football. If Roma win that game and come to the final then they deserve it, if we go through we deserve it. 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.’