Liverpool fans are furious at the conduct of stewards during their home clash with Southampton on Saturday evening.
Jurgen Klopp's men won the game 3-0, but it was an incident in the stands that generated a strong reaction among the Anfield faithful in the aftermath of the result.
There has been a number of reports of a Liverpool fan being ejected for standing up and trying to take a picture. The fan was allegedly positioned in the back-row and had travelled a considerable distance in order to attend the fixture. A second fan also claims to have been ejected.
Was in the main stand yesterday and behind me on the back row was a non-English speaking fan who stood up a couple of times to take photos. He was kicked out for standing on the back row. A scouser stood up for him and was kicked out too. Outrageous @TonyBarrett @LFCStanleyHouse pic.twitter.com/HVLEU2Y30U
— hugh (@hughmcilvaney) November 19, 2017
@LFC Look at this piece of shit steward. Number 551 in the Upper Main Stand. The bloke travelled over from Slovakia and got ejected for standing up to take photo. Fucking disgrace. pic.twitter.com/Evo2P3ELOm
— waq ~ (@WaqtinAFool) November 18, 2017
A friend has just sent me this. Disgusting behaviour from our stewards. I don't care if it's the main stand. Everything that's the matter with our club just there. pic.twitter.com/tIHWXALGIy
— *carol cubbin* #LFC #J4T96 #ACCOUNTABILITY #GTTO (@carolcubbin) November 19, 2017
Liverpool FC's website does state a reason for the cancellation and withdrawal of tickets can be:
6.1.2 persistent standing in seated areas whilst the Match is in progress
However, the lack of common sense is striking, particularly in the first instance, given the individual appears to be seated in the back row and has spent a great deal of money to attend the fixture. The surrounding fans were strong in their defence of the individual repeatedly shouting "he's done nothing wrong."
Liverpool FC Peter Moore tweeted the following in response:
We are aware of the incident in the NMS y’day.As with all situations of this nature, we will review the report and take appropriate action.
— Peter Moore (@PeterMooreLFC) November 19, 2017
Head of Club and Supporter Liaison at Liverpool FC Tony Barrett has also confirmed he is aware of the reports.
In response to the second alledged incident, Peter Moore again was quick to follow up with reports:
Hi guys in case you missed my tweet earlier @PeterMooreLFC has messaged me and will be looking into the matter when the person involved in it gets back to me. Please retweet. pic.twitter.com/jAoe6jmoTK
— *carol cubbin* #LFC #J4T96 #ACCOUNTABILITY #GTTO (@carolcubbin) November 19, 2017
Just to give you all an update @PeterMooreLFC has been in touch with Matthew I passed his details onto Peter and he's phoned him. Top guy Peter Moore thank you. @mattjakejames pic.twitter.com/f2AkhS6W2k
— *carol cubbin* #LFC #J4T96 #ACCOUNTABILITY #GTTO (@carolcubbin) November 19, 2017
The speedy response from the club is admirable although the initial reports did not reflect well on Liverpool's match-day experience. There is also an obvious contradiction between Jurgen Klopp's repeated calls for an improved atmosphere and a club rigorously forcing fans to remain seated throughout a game.
Hopefully the club can provide a conclusion that is satisfactory to all parties.
