Really disappointing to hear
The opening minutes of Liverpool’s Champions League game against Atlético Madrid were overshadowed by a large section of the home supporters booing the Liverpool players taking the knee.
According to the Spanish Football Podcast, it was mostly the Atlético ultras, stood behind the goal, who were responsible for the booing, however the jeers sounded a lot louder than a minority of the fans at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Atletico's ultras who are in the main extremely right wing, boo Liverpool taking the knee. Sad to see and hear.
— The Spanish Football Podcast (@tsf_podcast) October 19, 2021
Atléti’s ultras – often referred to as ‘Ultras Sur’ – are known to have right wing views and their protest of the taking the knee gesture was disappointing to hear on what should be a night of top class entertainment.
To make matters worse, two Atleti players, Kieran Trippier and Yannick Carrasco, also took the knee to spread the awareness of the anti-racism message that has become prominent in large parts of football.
Liverpool however soon silenced the home supporters after racing into a 2-0 lead before 20 minutes had passed.
Mohamed Salah looked to have given Jurgen Klopp’s side the lead after his low-driven effort nestled into the bottom corner, but questions have been asked whether James Milner actually got the final touch, and replays show that the latter has a good argument to claim it was his.
Guinea international Naby Keita then doubled the Reds’ (or Yellows in tonight’s case) advantage with a thunderous volley which Jan Oblak had no chance of keeping out.
Antoine Griezmann then pulled one back for the hosts with a close-range finish. At the time of publication, Liverpool lead 2-1.
Related links:
- 18 months on, Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid from the fans who were at Anfield that night
- Kick It Out want urgent talks with Newcastle over fans’ mock headdresses
- The Carpathian Brigade: Who are Hungary’s black-shirted ultras?
