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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Ian Doyle

Chelsea urge fans to respect Hillsborough anniversary as Maurizio Sarri looks to restore club pride

Chelsea have urged their supporters to pay their respects when Liverpool mark the 30th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster on Sunday.

The Premier League match at Anfield will be preceded by a minute's silence to commemorate the tragedy in which 96 people died.

Players from both sides will also wear black armbands during the game as an additional mark of respect.

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Chelsea were dismayed during the week when a video emerged ahead of their Europa League clash in Slavia Prague of a small group of fans chanting a discriminatory song about Liverpool's former Chelsea forward Mohamed Salah.

The Londoners subsequently prevented three of the fans from entering the stadium for the match and are attempting to identify the other three involved.

And Chelsea have released a statement to supporters planning on travelling to Liverpool on Sunday.

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It reads: "Supporters attending the game are requested to arrive inside the stadium well in advance of the 4.30pm kick-off in order to allow enough time to find their seat and pay their respects.

“The actions of a mindless and unwanted minority in Prague has once again brought a spotlight upon Chelsea supporters, embarrassing the club and their fellow fans.

“It is our expectation that this will not be repeated in Liverpool, and where there is evidence of any inappropriate or disrespectful behaviour, we will take the strongest possible action.”

Chelsea have been working hard to repair their reputation after a number of controversies in recent times involving racism.

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And when asked if Sunday was a chance to restore the club’s pride, Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri said: "Yes, I think so. It is really a very good opportunity for our fans.

“I am sure that our fans will have very great behaviour in Liverpool."

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