Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has responded to the small group of Manchester City fans who disrupted the pre-match Hillsborough tribute on Saturday.
Liverpool and City attempted to pay tribute to the 97 people who lost their lives at Hillsborough in April 1989 ahead of their FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. However, a minority of City supporters disrupted the minute silence that referee Michael Oliver had to cut short, and the reigning Premier League champions subsequently released a statement condemning their actions.
It was a thrilling match on the pitch, which saw Liverpool advance to their first FA Cup final in a decade despite a second half rally from City. Ibrahima Konate had headed Liverpool in front before a Sadio Mane double put the Reds in seeming total control of the tie at half time. Jack Grealish pulled an early goal back for City after the break but despite Bernardo Silva’s stoppage time second, Liverpool had enough to hold on and advance. However, City had felt compelled to act and condemn the minority of their fans who had disrupted the pre-match remembrance.
After the incident, the club wrote in a statement: "Manchester City are extremely disappointed with the actions of some City supporters during the minute’s silence before today’s game. The club sincerely apologises to all those connected with Liverpool Football Club."
It was an apology that was amplified by City boss Pep Guardiola after the game, who said: "I think Manchester City made a statement. This is not Manchester City. We are close to Liverpool club for the tragedy that happened years ago. We are alongside them. After these guys singing (it) doesn't represent what we are."
The disruption came in the same week that City launched an investigation into an incident showing two fans allegedly mocking the Hillsborough disaster during their 2-2 draw with Liverpool in the Premier League clash last Sunday.
Have Your Say! Can Liverpool win the quadruple this season? Tell us what you think here.
Footage circulated on social media in the wake of the enthralling clash at Etihad which caught a pair of City supporters on camera seemingly making obscene gestures referencing Hillsborough in the direction of opposition fans. The Liverpool Echo claimed City officials looked into the incident and were taking the matter seriously.
The incident was acknowledged by BBC during their half-time analysis of the match, with presenter Gary Lineker highlighting: "One news item I want to read out before we move on, this match was meant to be preceded by a minute's silence for the 33rd anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster. This was cut short by referee Michael Oliver after persistent chants from the City end, which is obviously disappointing."
Reds boss Klopp said of the disruption when quizzed after the match: "Some people did not understand the situation. It is not nice, they are wrong in the moment. But it is nothing to do with Manchester City and we accept their apology."
