Trainer Jürgen Klopp from the English football champions Liverpool FC has criticized the behavior of some fans after winning the title and called them to stay at home. “We owe it to the weakest in our society,” wrote Klopp in an open letter to the local newspaper “Liverpool Echo” on Monday, “to the health workers who gave so much and whom we applauded, the police and the local authorities who help us as an association. “
Thousands of people celebrated the first championship in 30 years at the famous Pier Head in Liverpool on Friday. The mood changed and violent clashes with the police ensued. The authorities are also investigating arson for improper use of fireworks. The damage incurred should amount to the equivalent of just under 11,000 euros. Mountains of garbage were also seen in photos in British media.
The club described the events as “completely unacceptable”. Klopp, who in the letter also expressed his love for Liverpool and his thanks to the supporters for the support during the season, made an urgent appeal to the reason of the fans. “Your passion is my passion,” wrote the 53-year-old, “but the most important thing now is that we refrain from such meetings.”
The trainer promised that the master party would be rescheduled. “When the time is right, we will celebrate,” he said. “We will enjoy this moment and we will paint the city red. But for now, please stay at home as far as possible. This is not the time to be in large groups in the city center, nor to gather near football stadiums. ”
English association cuts jobs
The English football association FA, meanwhile, is expecting high revenue losses due to corona and therefore wants to cut jobs. “Unfortunately, the past few months have had a major impact on the FA, and we’ve lost a significant amount of money that we can never recoup,” wrote FA chief Mark Bullingham in a statement released on Monday. Specifically, the association anticipates a loss of around £ 300m (€ 330m). Therefore, it was decided to cut 124 jobs within the association, 82 employees would have to go, 42 vacant positions so far will not be filled, said Bullingham. Corresponding plans to reduce the workforce are currently being drawn up.
“We have lost all revenue from events at Wembley since March and all other future bookings such as music concerts and the NFL games in October,” said Bullingham. Revenue from the hospitality industry at Wembley of around £ 35m (38.5m euros) a year has dropped and is likely to take years to recover. In addition, sponsors and broadcasters were also partially in trouble due to the pandemic. “Again, we are unable to deliver the content that we are committed to,” said Bullingham. In some cases, this entails compensation to be paid.
“We have a responsibility to maintain our core functions that regulate and serve English football,” wrote Bullingham. The top priority must now be on these core functions. Losing jobs is the most difficult saving measure a company can take, said the FA boss. “However, we believe that we must now adapt the company and make it future-proof.”
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