‘They wouldn’t do it if there wasn’t a reason’
Downing Street has criticised Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp for suggesting fans had a reason to boo the national anthem during the FA Cup Final.
The German defended the Reds’ supporters following the controversy at the weekend, insisting that they were “wonderful people” after MPs criticised the fans who appeared to jeer the Duke of Cambridge prior to kick-off on Saturday.
🗣 “They wouldn’t do it if there wasn’t a reason.”
Jürgen Klopp on Liverpool fans booing the national anthem at Wembley. pic.twitter.com/Tj27urEDH6
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) May 16, 2022
“Of course I have thoughts, but in these situations, it’s best to ask the question: ‘why does this happen?’,” he told reporters on Monday.
“I know our people that well that they wouldn’t do it if there was no reason for it.
“I’m not here long enough to understand the reason for it – it’s something historical and probably a question you (the media) can answer much better than I ever could.
“Our fans – and I know some fans from other clubs see this slightly differently – are wonderful people.
“[They are] really smart, go through lows, go through highs, suffer together. They wouldn’t do it if there was not a reason, that’s what I know. Maybe we should ask this question.”
Prime Minister fires back at Klopp
However, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman quickly claimed that it was a ‘great shame’ several Liverpool fans opted to boo the national anthem, as reported by The Telegraph.
When asked whether Klopp was right to say the Reds would have had a reason to boo the national anthem, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman replied: “No”, before adding it was a “great shame” given the FA Cup was meant to “bring people together”.
Boos could be heard at Wembley stadium when Prince William – the president of the Football Association – was introduced to supporters before the match.
A number of fans in the ground also booed a rendition of Christian hymn Abide With Me, which confused viewers and people on social media.
Liverpool secured their second trophy of the season after overcoming Chelsea 6-5 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes.
Related links:
