Boris Johnson slaps down Jurgen Klopp for defending Liverpool fans booing national anthem

Klopp calls supporters 'wonderful people' after MPs criticised section of spectators who also appeared to jeer Duke of Cambridge at Wembley

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2022/05/16/boris-johnson-blasts-jurgen-klopp-defending-liverpool-fans-booing/



Downing Street has slapped down Jurgen Klopp for suggesting Liverpool fans had a reason to boo the national anthem during the FA Cup Final.

Klopp defended the club's supporters as "wonderful people" after MPs criticised a section of spectators who also appeared to jeer the Duke of Cambridge ahead of kick-off at Wembley. "I know our people wouldn't do it unless there's a reason for it," the manager said of the national anthem booing on Monday.

Immediately afterwards, the Prime Minister's official spokesman was asked whether Klopp was right to say Liverpool would have had a reason to boo the national anthem. "No," the spokesman replied, before adding it was a "great shame" given the FA Cup was meant to "bring people together".

Boos were heard at Wembley when Prince William, who is the president of the Football Association, was introduced to fans during the pre-match BBC television coverage. A section of fans in the stadium had also expressed disapproval during the national anthem and a rendition of Christian hymn Abide With Me.

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