It was a collective applause and standing ovation from the Newcastle United fans that was so well-received.
Not for manager Rafa Benitez - although the relentless chants for the boss were quite something - or the goals scored by Christian Atsu and Salomon Rondon at St James’s Park.
But a genuine heart-warming moment from the home supporters who raised as one to wish Liverpool’s Mo Salah a speedy recovery in his moment of distress.
Salah, who had scored earlier in the game, was stretchered off after a collision with Newcastle stopper Martin Dubravka.
His gallant jump showed a man desperate to keep the Reds title challenge going into the final week of the season, but as the hosts showed throughout the action-packed game, they were not willing to let any duel go without a fight.
Dubravka came out, equally as brave as the on-rushing forward, and collided with Salah leaving him in a heap on the ground.
That was to be the Egyptian’s last moment of action as he departed with the medical staff around him.
Newcastle’s reaction to his early ending showed a set of genuine supporters concerned about his condition, and respectful of greatness when they see it.
Gary Lineker’s tweet summed it up as he posted :
“Great sportsmanship towards Mo Salah as he’s stretchered off from NUFC fans. Let’s hope he’s okay.”
Newcastle United and Man City fans furious with Liverpool red card escape
