Jose calls for respect at Anfield, Klopp hits out at festive schedule

MANAGER Jose Mourinho has called for both sets of supporters to respect each other when his Manchester United team visit Anfield to play Liverpool in the Premier League on Monday.

The rivalry between the clubs is one of the most fiercely contested in world football and matches have been littered with unsavoury incidents in the past.

Last season, both clubs were fined by Uefa for crowd disturbances and supporters engaging in illicit chanting when they met in the last-16 of the Europa League.

The chants aimed at Liverpool supporters concerned around the Heysel and Hillsborough stadium tragedies, while those directed at United fans referenced the Munich air disaster in 1958.

“In football, we have some ‘ football tragedies’, which is the big match that you lost, the mistake that some player did and you can make fun of it in a positive way,” Mourinho said.

“But the human tragedy is something much, much more serious and I think is the last thing somebody should use on a football pitch.

“These need our respect, so I would be really sad if in such a big football match that was a negative point.”

The clubs issued a joint statement on Thursday warning supporters to behave and Mourinho reinforced the message yesterday.

Mourinho said he was

Meanwhile, Reds manager Jurgen Klopp has criticised the Premier League’s Christmas fixture schedule which will force his team to play twice in the space of 48 hours.

Liverpool’s clash with Manchester City has been moved to December 31 – less than 48 hours before they face Sunderland.

Klopp, who was named Premier League manager of the month for September, said the change in timings meant his joy at the award was shortlived.

“Now I have seen the fixtures I am not too happy,” Klopp yesterday.

“We have less than 48 hours between our game against Man City on December 31 and in Sunderland on January 2.

“Forty- eight hours is an interesting idea but less than 48 hours I cannot believe. I learn more and more about this league and maybe I have to ask someone if we can ask if there will be another time for us at Sunderland.”

“Everyone is asking: ‘ Why is England not too successful in big tournaments?’ Ask what other big countries are doing at this time of year they have their legs on the sofa and are watching English football.”

Liverpool are fourth in the table, two places above United, and Klopp said he was hopeful that midfielders Adam Lallana and Georginio Wijnaldum would be fit for the game after recent injuries. – Reuters