Jurgen Klopp was asked about his views on the racist abuse directed towards England players including Raheem Sterling and Danny Rose earlier this week in Montenegro, and he responded in a typically measured and powerful style.
Sterling, in particular, has been eloquent on the issue recently, as was Callum Hudson-Odoi after his first England appearance on Monday, and Klopp was no different when asked for his opinion on the matter in his press conference to preview Sunday’s game against Tottenham.
Via James Pearce, Klopp said: “I’m so disappointed in our world that this is possible. It’s so frustrating. It’s not allowed to ignore it – we have to shout about it and finish it finally.”
He added, via David Maddock: “If it is the whole stand [making racist chants] then I would take my players off. If it is one or two, then that is too much power for a couple of idiots.”
READ MORE:
Reds midfielder says he doesn’t want to be at the club next season
In 2019, this should not be an issue that is still being discussed, but unfortunately, recent events prove that is not the case.
It’s important for big figures like Klopp to keep speaking out, and for institutions like Liverpool FC to keep bringing up the issue.
Hopefully, it won’t be too long before this ceases to be a problem – but for now, at least, more still needs to be done.