Jordan Henderson has followed in his manager’s footsteps and called on Liverpool supporters to stop using homophobic chants.
Liverpool moved last Saturday to condemn the “offensive and inappropriate" homophobic chants that occurred during the 3-0 win over Norwich City.
The Canaries’ on-loan midfielder Billy Gilmour and his parent club Chelsea were the specific targets of the abuse from some in the away end.
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp invited Paul Amann, the founder of Liverpool LGBT+ supporters group Kop Outs, to the club’s AXA Training Centre to discuss the impact of the chants during the week.
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During the chat between the two, Klopp urged all Liverpool supporters to stop singing the songs and believes anyone who does is an "idiot".
And now Henderson has now used his programme notes ahead of the Burnley game to send the same message to Reds fans.
He wrote: “Again, I was watching on TV so I didn’t hear first-hand the abuse that was aimed towards Billy Gilmour on the basis of his association with Chelsea.
“But after the game I did see that our LGBT+ fans group, Kop Outs, had rightly highlighted and condemned the singing as homophobic. This was quickly supported by the club and other influential groups, including Spirit of Shankly.
“I won’t repeat what the exact chant is, but I think most – if not all – reading this will know what I’m referring to. On behalf of the team I want to reiterate what the club has said and show complete solidarity with Kop Outs and all football supporters who believe our club and this game must be a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.
“This club is synonymous with support and this is because the difference our fans have made on and off the pitch is stamped all over our history and our achievements.
“Because of this, it wouldn’t normally make any sense for me or any of the lads to try to tell our supporters what to sing or, more specifically, what not to sing. But the chant referred to above is the exception.
“It doesn’t help us as a team, it doesn’t focus on ourselves, it doesn’t lift the players and it doesn’t help our reputation as a club. It’s wrong and it needs to stop. It makes our LGBT+ fans feel marginalised and unwelcome. We know this because they have told us. The least we can do is listen to them, understand and act.”
