Manager Jurgen Klopp has called on Liverpool supporters to end the homophobic chant that has been directed at Chelsea players and supporters.
A section of Reds' fans were heard aiming the chant at Norwich City midfielder Billy Gilmour, who is on loan from Chelsea for this season, during the Premier League match between the clubs last Saturday.
Liverpool released a statement after the game condemning the chant and on Thursday released a video of a discussion between Klopp and Paul Amann, who founded Liverpool’s LGBT+ Fans Group - Kop Outs.
Annam explained to the German boss, who was previously unaware of the chant; "What people don't necessarily realise is that it's chanted at the player, but actually the people who hear it are fellow fans like myself who then go from hearing 'You'll Never Walk Alone' and being embraced in fanhood and that fantastic atmosphere to then suddenly being left in the cold.
"It's as if a bucket of cold water in terms of the emotional state that it hits you with because it's such an unnecessary and vile chant that leaves too many gay fans absolutely out in the cold. And it's wrong."
Annam stressed that Kop Outs' aim was not to try and take the sting out of the rivalry between clubs or affect the atmosphere but to encourage "cleverness and wit" when it comes to chanting.
Klopp agreed and immediately stated that ending that particular homophobic chant should not be a difficult task.
"I think it's easy. It's easy to decide not to sing the song anymore," said the manager who has since heard and gained an understanding of the chant.
Jürgen Klopp met with @LFC_LGBT this week to discuss the incident of homophobic chanting at Norwich City.
The pair discuss the impact of such chants on LGBT+ supporters, why they should not occur again, and the importance of inclusivity. #RedTogether pic.twitter.com/J5Axce1PqR— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 19, 2021
"It's from no perspective the nicest song in the world, so it's not necessary. It obviously makes people uncomfortable from our own fan group.
"For our supporters group and for me, that means: done, let's go for another one. I really think it's an easy decision and should be an easy decision."
The 54-year-old goes on to specifically ask the club's supporters not to use the chant in the future.
"I'm not sure if people listen to me but it would be nice. I don't want to hear it anymore, for so many reasons," said Klopp.
KLOPP | "We cannot compare with the other clubs, they obviously don't have any limits."
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