Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid: Jürgen Klopp tells off fans attempting to high-five players amid coronavirus fears
The Liverpool manager was not happy with fans attempting to touch his players
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jürgen Klopp lost his cool ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League match against Atletico Madrid, angrily rebuking fans who attempted to high-five his players.
Coronavirus fears have led to many matches around Europe being postponed or played in empty stadiums.
However, Liverpool’s match against Atletico at Anfield was allowed to take place with fans in attendance.
Both Klopp and Atletico boss Diego Simeone had expressed their wish for the match to take place with fans present – although the former lost his cool with one group of supporters.
Ahead of the match, Klopp followed a group of Liverpool players including Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah down the tunnel and out onto the pitch for a warm-up.
A group of fans extended their arms hoping to high-five their heroes – only to be ignored by the players and rebuked by Klopp.
“Put your hands away,” he told them. “Are you fucking kidding?”
Liverpool had earlier insisted that they were taking all necessary steps to ensure supporters are as safe as possible from the coronavirus.
Their statement read: “Liverpool football club continues to monitor and implement the government’s advice on the coronavirus outbreak and ahead of our Champions League match against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday evening, we are reminding everyone attending the game of good hygiene practices.
“There will be hand sanitisers and/or antibacterial handwash in all the washrooms at Anfield as well as posters reinforcing the official medical advice for everyone to take personal responsibility for excellent personal hygiene.
“We are also taking matchday precautionary measures and players will continue to avoid handshakes prior to kick-off. UEFA will continue to use mascots for this game but they will line up to welcome the players onto the pitch and avoid any direct contact.
“Any supporter displaying symptoms that are consistent with coronavirus should ensure they familiarise themselves with the chief medical officer’s advice on self-isolation.
“We will continue to take the best advice from the relevant authorities and will update supporters with any further developments.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments