Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has slammed the idea of Man City giving Liverpool a guard of honour when they visit the Etihad Stadium on Thursday, adding that some Liverpool players “can’t even lace” Kevin de Bruyne’s boots.
The Reds were crowned as Premier League Champions for the first time in their history last week after City failed to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. It is the earliest point in a season that a team has clinched the title, with tradition meaning that they will be given a guard of honour before their remaining games - starting with the match at the Etihad.
However, Murphy isn’t on board with the tradition.
“It’s a perception of respect, ‘the right thing to do’, the message you’re trying to send to the football world that when somebody wins, that you show respect and grace,” he told TalkSPORT .
“The fact City will be doing it on Thursday will show humility, saying ‘well done’ to Liverpool and appreciation for their quality. I think it’s a load of nonsense!
“I don’t know where it started and why it started, I would feel uncomfortable doing it. I’d do it because you have to do it, but I wouldn’t want to do it, because it’s not done with sincerity.
“If I was a Liverpool player and United won the league, you know they’re better than you, you respect that and you’re trying your best to be like them, so they know you respect them.
“The fans don’t want you to do it, the players don’t really want to do it, it’s all for effect and it doesn’t mean anything.”
The midfielder turned pundit used City midfielder De Bruyne as an example, stating that the Belgian shouldn’t have to clap inferior players.
“Kevin de Bruyne is the best midfielder, probably, in the world, and he’s clapping his hands and giving a guard of honour to players who can’t even lace his boots,” he added.
