Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid: Jürgen Klopp tells off fans attempting to high-five players amid coronavirus fears

Jürgen Klopp lost his cool ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League match against Atletico Madrid, angrily rebuking fans who attempted to high-five his players.

Coronavirus fears have led to many matches around Europe being postponed or played in empty stadiums.

However, Liverpool’s match against Atletico at Anfield was allowed to take place with fans in attendance.

Both Klopp and Atletico boss Diego Simeone had expressed their wish for the match to take place with fans present – although the former lost his cool with one group of supporters.

Ahead of the match, Klopp followed a group of Liverpool players including Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah down the tunnel and out onto the pitch for a warm-up.

A group of fans extended their arms hoping to high-five their heroes – only to be ignored by the players and rebuked by Klopp.

“Put your hands away,” he told them. “Are you fucking kidding?”

Liverpool had earlier insisted that they were taking all necessary steps to ensure supporters are as safe as possible from the coronavirus.

Their statement read: “Liverpool football club continues to monitor and implement the government’s advice on the coronavirus outbreak and ahead of our Champions League match against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday evening, we are reminding everyone attending the game of good hygiene practices.

“There will be hand sanitisers and/or antibacterial handwash in all the washrooms at Anfield as well as posters reinforcing the official medical advice for everyone to take personal responsibility for excellent personal hygiene.

“We are also taking matchday precautionary measures and players will continue to avoid handshakes prior to kick-off. UEFA will continue to use mascots for this game but they will line up to welcome the players onto the pitch and avoid any direct contact.

“Any supporter displaying symptoms that are consistent with coronavirus should ensure they familiarise themselves with the chief medical officer’s advice on self-isolation.

“We will continue to take the best advice from the relevant authorities and will update supporters with any further developments.”