The long, boring international break is just about over and this weekend brings us a cracker- the northwest England rivalry of Manchester United versus Liverpool. We’re about to go from 0 to 60 mph instantaneously as the two bitterest of rivals will clash Monday night.
Of course, a bloodfeud with such acrimony as this often brings plenty of deplorable behavior. This series has seen more than its fair share of hooliganism, as well as a host of disgusting, offensive chanting.
Hopefully, you won’t have groups of fans signing about the Munich Air Disaster, or Hillsborough, this time. Or perhaps behavior that’s even more repugnant than that. When the two teams met in the Europa League last spring, it got very ugly and shameful.
On Thursday, both Liverpool and Manchester United issued a joint statement ahead of the clash at Anfield warning fans they will be ejected or prosecuted for any “offensive or discriminatory behaviour.”
The joint statement reads:
“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, 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.”
So there it is would be hooligans, you’ve been warned.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication and Bold Global.
He also consistently appears on numerous radio and television talk shows all across the country. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram and Sound Cloud.