Liverpool 'disappointed' by Mayor Joe Anderson's Premier League restart comments

David Lynch30 April 2020

Liverpool have released a statement declaring themselves ‘disappointed’ by comments from city Mayor Joe Anderson regarding efforts to resume the Premier League season.

In an interview with BBC Sport released earlier today, Anderson shared his belief that no further games should be played this term as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

He cited fears over potential breaches of social distancing rules were Liverpool to claim the two wins they require to secure a first top-flight title in 30 years, insisting attempts to police such behaviour could turn ‘farcical’.

The Everton-supporting mayor did, however, acknowledge that the Reds’ 25-point lead should be rewarded with silverware even if no further games are contested.

That has not stopped Liverpool condemning the comments, though, the Merseyside club stating that they run contrary to ongoing discussions with Premier League stakeholders and supporters’ groups.

A statement read: “As a club, we are aware of and disappointed by comments attributed to Mayor Joe Anderson in a media interview which was published today.

“As well as a lack of evidence to support such claims, we would also point to recent discussions with Mayor Anderson relating to the possibility of any behind-closed-doors football, which concluded that it is important that key stakeholders across the city continue to engage and work collaboratively.

“In recent weeks, we have engaged with supporters’ groups who have informed us of their determination to respect social distancing measures and, in the event of a resumption of football being announced, we would continue to work with them and other key stakeholders in keeping with our collective desire to achieve this crucial objective.

“As part of our ongoing operations, we are in regular contact with the Mayor and his office and we hope these conversations can continue.

“In the meantime, our primary focus remains responding to the humanitarian crisis which continues to unfold and in particular providing ongoing support to various NHS initiatives and those experiencing food poverty and social isolation.”

MORE ABOUT