Liverpool’s Lijnders calls for ‘respect’ ahead of Man City clash

Pep Lijnders

LONDON, AFP: Liverpool Assistant Manager Pep Lijnders has called for respect ahead of their latest clash with Manchester City as officials from both clubs try to avoid tempers flaring again.

Thursday’s League Cup fourth round tie between City and holders Liverpool at the Etihad takes place against a backdrop of unsavoury incidents that have marred their recent encounters.

The last match between the Premier League giants, at Anfield in October, saw City fans accused of making abusive chants about the 1989 Hillsborough disaster that led to the deaths of 97 Liverpool fans.

City said that coins had been thrown at their coaching staff and team bus, while the same match saw Liverpool Manager Jurgen Klopp sent off for a torrent of abuse at a linesman after the official failed to raise his flag for a foul by Bernardo Silva on Mohamed Salah.

Liverpool Chief Executive Billy Hogan and City counterpart Ferran Soriano have written a joint letter to supporters to remind them of their responsibilities, with Lijnders saying Wednesday: “It is very positive that both clubs are co-operating. Ferran and Billy made a good statement, it was really clear. We know games against City have importance and with rivalry comes emotion and that’s good.”