Manchester United and Liverpool issue joint statement pleading for calm at Monday’s game

Manchester United and Liverpool have teamed up to issue a warning to their respective set of fans.

The two great rivals will meet at Anfield on Monday in a rare evening game between the pair, and "offensive and discriminatory behaviour" won't be tolerated. There were disturbances when the two sides played in the Europa League back in March. Liverpool were fined £30,553 by Uefa, half of which was suspended for two years, for illicit chants and £13,000 for setting off fireworks, throwing objects and the game kicking off late at Anfield While United were fined £30,553, half of which was also suspended for two years, and were fined £13,750 for blocking stairways, crowd disturbances and the throwing of objects. While the unpleasant scenes and ugly chanting came from a minority of fans on both sides, the two clubs, and the Premier League, want to avoid any repeat of those scenes and have pleaded for respect and calm at Monday's game. They issued a joint-statement on Thursday morning, which reads:

"Both clubs, their supporters and football fans around the world are looking forward to this historic and passionate match between two of the sport’s biggest and oldest rivals. "There is great rivalry between our fans and we ask all supporters to be respectful and help eradicate all forms of offensive and discriminatory behaviour from the game. "If any supporters are found to be engaged in any form of offensive or discriminatory behaviour by stewards or via CCTV then they will be immediately removed from the stadium, risk arrest, prosecution and be reported in accordance with the Club’s ground regulations. "This is an unrivalled fixture in the Premier League calendar and we thank all fans for their continued support in this important area of the game."

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