JURGEN KLOPP vows he would do anything in his power to combat racism in football. But he warns against the dangers of a handful of “idiots” forcing games to be stopped. The Liverpool boss was appalled by the scenes in Podgorica, where England’s black players were subjected to abuse by Montenegro fans. But he is […]
JURGEN KLOPP vows he would do anything in his power to combat racism in football.
But he warns against the dangers of a handful of “idiots” forcing games to be stopped.
The Liverpool boss was appalled by the scenes in Podgorica, where England’s black players were subjected to abuse by Montenegro fans. But he is also concerned the game’s authorities do not allow themselves to be pressurised into stopping matches by tiny minorities.
Klopp declared he WOULD take his players off the pitch — but only in extreme circumstances.
He said: “We have to stop games, we have to do everything.
“We have to make clear that’s not allowed. If it’s the whole stand, then I would do it 100 per cent — but that’s too much power for one or two idiots. Or three or four idiots.
“If the whole stand would do it then it is completely different.”
Klopp stresses he is hard line over racism, saying: “It’s not allowed to ignore it.
“We have to speak loud about it, we have to finish it finally.
“Whatever I could do, I would do. It’s disappointing that something like this is still possible.”
Pep Guardiola also says he would have no worries about leading his Manchester City players off.
He said: “I would have to involve the club, the chairmen and CEOs, my captain and the team and the players. If we all together decide we can signal to do it, why not?
“A long time ago in Valencia, Guus Hiddink didn’t play because there was a Nazi flag behind the goal.
“Football is a strong weapon to defend the principles of humanity.”
Mauricio Pochettino and Maurizio Sarri would also consider halting a game.
Chelsea boss Sarri said: “We need a rule that can permit us to stop the match.
“Probably it’s right to stop the match for ten minutes at the first situation.”
Spurs chief Poch added: “If I feel the abuse and I hear it, then out. Stop. Stop.
“There is nothing more important in this life than to protect values and principles.”
