Man United and Liverpool issue statement urging fans to behave on Monday Night Football
Thursday 13 October 2016 11:25, UK
Manchester United and Liverpool have issued a joint statement asking their supporters to refrain from “offensive and discriminatory behaviour” when the sides meet on Monday night at Anfield.
The fixture between England's two most successful clubs and arch-rivals has been littered with unsavoury incidents between the two sets of supporters off the pitch.
Last season Liverpool were fined £30,500 - half of which was suspended for two years - by UEFA for illicit chanting, setting off fireworks, throwing objects and crowd disturbances following their Europa League last-16 tie at Old Trafford.
United received a similar punishment for crowd disturbances and the throwing of objects at the same match, prior to which police had to remove a 'Murderers' banner (in reference to the Heysel and Hillsborough disasters) which was hung on a bridge above a motorway used by Liverpool fans on their way to Old Trafford.
The game, which will be shown live on Monday Night Football on Sky Sports 1 HD, is expected to be seen by an estimated 700m people in more than 200 countries and both clubs are keen to ensure the focus remains on football.
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In a joint statement, the clubs said: "Both clubs, their supporters and football fans around the world are looking forward to this historic and passionate match between two of the sport's biggest and oldest rivals.
"There is great rivalry between our fans and we ask all supporters to be respectful and help eradicate all forms of offensive and discriminatory behaviour from the game.
"If any supporters are found to be engaged in any form of offensive or discriminatory behaviour by stewards or via CCTV then they will be immediately removed from the stadium, risk arrest, prosecution and be reported in accordance with the Club's ground regulations.
"This is an unrivalled fixture in the Premier League calendar and we thank all fans for their continued support in this important area of the game."
A spokesperson from Kick it Out, added: "Both Liverpool and Manchester United should be commended for this proactive approach ahead of this important fixture. We always encourage supporters to report any form of discrimination they may see or hear. Our reporting app, which is available to download from the App Store and Google Play, allows users the option to attach photos and videos."
