LIVERPOOL REMEMBERS DIOGO JOTA AND ANDRÉ SILVA

Today, as every day, we remember Diogo Jota and André Silva, who tragically passed away one year ago.

Through immeasurable loss and incalculable pain, the impact they made and the legacies they left behind - not only within the footballing world, but in the hearts and minds of so many around the world - has shone through over the last 12 months.

All of our love, support, thoughts and prayers continue to be with Diogo and André's families, friends and all those whose lives were touched by them.

Forever in our hearts, forever our number 20 ❤️

- LFC

LIVERPOOL MEME 😂

 

JAMES MILNER RETIRES AT AGE 40 AFTER LIVERPOOL ICON BREAKS PREMIER LEAGUE RECORD

Premier League and England legend James Milner has retired after a 24-year career in the top-flight, playing for Liverpool, Manchester City, Leeds, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Brighton

James Milner has announced his retirement from football(Image: Getty Images)

Premier League legend and former England international James Milner has announced his retirement from football at the age of 40.

The versatile midfielder left Brighton & Hove Albion at the end of the season when his contract expired after three years on the south coast. But instead of finding a new club, Milner has decided to call time on his illustrious career just months after breaking the record for most Premier League appearances in February.

Milner played for six teams in England's top flight. The 61-time England international came through at Leeds United before joining Newcastle United and then Aston Villa. He won the Premier League twice, FA Cup and League Cup at Manchester City before winning all there is to win under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.

James Milner won multiple honours at Liverpool(Image: (JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images))

Taking to X, Milner shared an emotional statement: "After 24 seasons in the @premierleague, it feels like the right time to bring an end to my playing career. From making my debut for @leedsunited, who I supported growing up, at the age of 16 and becoming the Premier League’s youngest scorer.

"I could never have dreamed of the journey I’ve been on, right through to not being able to lift my foot last year and then coming back to be part of @officialbhafc qualifying for Europe for the second time in their history at the age of 40.

"To have gone on to represent @nufc, @astonvilla, @mancity, @liverpoolfc and @officialbhafc — and not forgetting a memorable month at @officialstfc — has been an incredible privilege.

"Every club has played a huge role in my life and career, and I want to thank everyone involved — the owners, staff, coaches, teammates and supporters who welcomed me and helped me along the way."

He continued: "To the fans, thank you. To those who supported me every step of the way, your encouragement meant more than you’ll ever know. And to those who gave me grief along the way, thank you too — you all played your part in making the journey memorable and helping shape me as a player and person.

"To my family, thank you for every sacrifice, every mile travelled and every moment of encouragement. None of this would have been possible without you.

"I leave the game with immense pride, gratitude and memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Football has given me far more than I could ever have imagined, and I will always be thankful for the opportunities it provided.

"Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey."

- Cameron Winstanley

MOHAMED SALAH AMAZING STATS AT LIVERPOOL

 

THE RED WAY REPORT 2024-25: LFC REACHES GLOBAL.SUSTAINABILITY MILESTOANE

Liverpool FC has today published its latest The Red Way report, highlighting the club's continued commitment to building a better future for its people, planet and communities.

Launched in 2021, The Red Way is LFC's award-winning sustainability strategy.

This season's report highlights a major milestone, with LFC now aligning to all 17 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This achievement comes through new work focused on 'Life Below Water' (SDG 14), recognising the critical importance of ocean health and its connection to climate, biodiversity and global wellbeing.

Last season, the club expanded its work into this area through its 'Reds for Blue' initiative, delivered in partnership with AXA and the Tara Ocean Foundation. The programme has helped to raise awareness of ocean health and sustainability, by engaging supporters, staff and young people through educational content and experiences.

The 2024-25 report shows how the club's work continues to grow, bringing together activity across the business to create positive change through collaboration, innovation and impactful action.

Environmental sustainability remains a key priority under the 'Our Planet' pillar. The club has achieved a 13 per cent reduction in overall carbon emissions compared to its 2019-20 baseline, while 96 per cent of operations are powered by clean energy.

In addition, emissions from football operations continue to be fully offset, and efforts to tackle travel-related impact remain in place – including the investment of sustainable aviation fuel for domestic team flights.

The club has also continued to enhance biodiversity across its sites, working with official groundskeeping partner Husqvarna to expand its use of robotic mowers, now maintaining 100 per cent of non-playing grass surfaces across our sites at the AXA and AXA Melwood Training Centres.

Across Anfield, more than 310,000 single-use items have been avoided through the expansion of reusables – including the introduction of reusable cups and food containers.

Under the 'Our People' pillar, LFC continues to use its platform to raise awareness of important issues. Its International Day of Persons with Disabilities campaign with Isaac Kearney helped drive a five-year high in global searches for Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome.

The club's official charity, LFC Foundation, also continues to make a real difference across our communities, both home and away. Last season, it supported 145,617 people, while generating a social value of £365.79 million and a social return on investment of £1:£13.79 over a five-year period.

The Red Way has also become more embedded across the wider LFC family. Sixty-seven per cent of partners are now aligned to, and are actively supporting, the strategy, while fan awareness has risen to 45 per cent, up from 14 per cent just two seasons before.

This progress has been recognised externally, with the club receiving a number of major sustainability awards over the course of the season – including ESG Programme of the Year, the Sport Positive Transformation Award and UEFA's Anti-Discrimination Award.

Jonathan Bamber, LFC's chief legal and external affairs officer and executive sponsor of The Red Way, said: "I'm delighted to introduce The Red Way report for the 2024-25 season, featuring some incredible achievements – including multiple award wins.

"When we launched The Red Way in 2021, we knew it would be the beginning of a journey like no other. This report highlights the progress we've made, as well as the challenges we continue to navigate as we work towards our long-term sustainability goals.

"Our commitment to building a better future for our people, our planet and our communities remains the foundation of our success, and our priority as we look ahead to the seasons to come."

Rishi Jain, director of impact at LFC, added: "I am immensely proud of the continued progress of The Red Way, particularly reaching alignment with all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

"This season, we've focused our efforts on key areas – including food, ocean health and resilience. These topics are critically important for the club, cut across every pillar of The Red Way, and offer meaningful opportunities to use our platform to create positive, global impact.

"Together with our colleagues, partners and supporters, we are already making strong progress, and we remain committed to going even further in the seasons ahead."

To learn more about The Red Way and view the full 2024-25 season report, visit here.

- Liverpool FC

GALATASARAY READY TO TAKE LEGAL ACTION AFTER HORROR NOA LANG INJURY VS. LIVERPOOL

Galatasaray will reportedly take legal action against UEFA after Dutch forward Noa Lang suffered a freak thumb injury from a collision with an advertising hoarding at Anfield

Noa Lang was forced off against Liverpool after suffering a serious injury to his thumb(Image: Getty Images)

Galatasaray reportedly intends to seek compensation from UEFA after Noa Lang suffered a freak injury from a collision with an advertising hoarding at Anfield during their Champions League defeat to Liverpool.

The Reds booked their place in the Champions League quarterfinals on Wednesday after beating Galatasaray 4-0 (4-1 on aggregate) at Anfield, setting up a rematch with Paris Saint-Germain, who knocked Liverpool out of the competition in the Round of 16 last year.

During the clash at Anfield, Lang suffered a gruesome injury for which he underwent surgery after he collided with an advertising board. The Dutch forward was in agony, holding his bloody thumb before being taken off the pitch on a stretcher. He was also seen being given oxygen as he left the pitch.

"In the second half of the same match, our player Noa Lang, who suffered an injury, sustained a serious cut to his right thumb, and it is planned for him to undergo surgery in Liverpool in the coming hours with the participation of our medical team," read a statement from the Turkish club, who now reportedly look set to take legal action against UEFA for the injury.

According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, Galatasaray's general secretary, Eray Yazgan, told HTSpor: "We made a complaint to UEFA representatives after the match. They also made their investigations. UEFA will evaluate the issue.

Noa Lang receives medical attention during Galatasaray's Champions League defeat to Liverpool(Image: (Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images))

"We are in talks with lawyers. We will file a lawsuit for compensation to UEFA. We will ask for our victimization in terms of salary to be eliminated."

Following the game, Liverpool and UEFA officials were spotted investigating the advertising hoarding where the incident occurred.

Liverpool officials inspect the fence against which Galatasaray's Dutch forward Noa Lang sustained an injury(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

While Lang was in serious discomfort following the injury, he later posted a picture on his Instagram account of himself on a hospital bed with two nurses while still in his Galatasaray kit, smiling.

He captioned the post, "s--- happens."

He also confirmed that he has had surgery on his injured hand, with the procedure going successfully. "Surgery went well! Thanks for all the messages," he added.

Speaking on TNT Sports, Ally McCoist, who was covering Liverpool and Galatasaray's game, admitted he could tell the 26-year-old had suffered a shocking injury simply by looking at the reaction of the photographer who was next to Lang when it happened.

"He said: "I could tell there was a significant problem because one of the girls behind there, I'm not sure if she's a photographer but you could see her face, the way she reacted."

- Oscar Maung-Haley

"THE ATMOSPHERE HAS DIED AND FANS LEAVING IN THEIR HORDES EARLY"

 "The atmosphere has died and fans are leaving in their hordes early."

John Aldridge couldn't hide his disappointment witnessing thousands of Liverpool fans leaving before the final whistle during the Burnley draw. The Kop legend warns that "fear" and emotionless football are killing the fortress that is Anfield. "I've been going to Anfield for 60 years and rarely seen this," Aldridge shared.

LIVERPOOL SENDS ITS SUPPORT TO KEVIN KEEGAN

The thoughts and support of everyone at Liverpool FC and Forever Reds are with Kevin Keegan after he was diagnosed with cancer.

A legendary former Reds player, Keegan scored 100 goals in 323 appearances during a six-year spell at Anfield, with his honours at the club including three league titles, a European Cup, two UEFA Cups and an FA Cup.

In a statement today, the Keegan family said: "Kevin was recently admitted to hospital for further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms.

"These investigations have revealed a diagnosis of cancer, for which Kevin will undergo treatment.

"Kevin is grateful to the medical team for their intervention and ongoing care.

"During this time, the family are requesting privacy, and will be making no further comment."

Keegan's playing career also saw him represent Scunthorpe United, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle United, and he subsequently went into management, taking charge of the Magpies twice, as well as Fulham, England and Manchester City.

All of us at LFC and official former players association Forever Reds send our best wishes to Kevin, his family and friends.

- Liverpool FC

MO SALAH'S TEAN-MATE TAKES BRUTAL SWIPE AT 'DISGRACE' JAMIE CARRAGHER

Jamie Carragher has found himself on the receiving end of a blast from Mohamed Salah's former Egypt team-mate Ahmed Elmohamady after his rant on Monday Night Football

Jamie Carragher made his feelings clear on Mohamed Salah on Monday night(Image: Sky Sports)

Jamie Carragher has been branded a “disgrace” following his lengthy attack on Mohamed Salah in the wake of his explosive interview. Salah has rocked the boat at Liverpool by going public with his grievances against Arne Slot after being benched for three straight games, with Carragher among his chief critics.

The Liverpool star claimed he had been “thrown under the bus” by Slot, with whom he now had “no relationship”. His shocking comments in the wake of the 3-3 draw at Leeds, in which he didn’t get off the bench, have turned heads and prompted a backlash.

Slot left him out of the travelling squad to play Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday night. And Carragher used his appearance on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football to continue his criticism of the club legend, calling him a “disgrace” among other things.

His opinion has angered Ahmed Elmohamady, who has played alongside Salah for Egypt. The former Hull City and Aston Villa defender wrote on X: “Right Jamie you’re a disgrace. Salah completely rewrote his story through hard work, humility, and world-class performances.

“He didn’t ‘fail’ at Chelsea – he was never given the chance. He went to Italy, rebuilt himself, then came to Liverpool and became: A Premier League legend, Egypt’s greatest ever player, One of the most consistent forwards of his generation.

“Salah has carried Egypt for years. And getting Egypt qualified for the World Cup twice after so long, Salah earned everything. No wonder you got blanked by C.Ronaldo. No wonder Messi called you out. No wonder Mourinho said you were below average and not even in the top 1000 defender in PL.”

His comments came after an eight-minute clip of Carragher talking about Salah on MNF went viral on Monday night. "I thought it was a disgrace what he did after the game," Carragher began. "Some people have painted it as an emotional outburst, I don't think it was.

"I think whenever Mo Salah stops in a mixed zone, which he's done four times in eight years at Liverpool, it's choreographed, with him and his agent to cause maximum damage and strengthen his own position.”

He added: "He's chosen this weekend to do this now and he's waited, I think, for a bad result for Liverpool... Everyone involved with the club feels like they're in the gutter at the moment, and he's chosen that time to go for the manager, and maybe try and get him sacked. That's the way I felt about it.

"The one line that stands out for me is 'thrown under the bus'. He's tried to throw the club under the bus twice in the last 12 months with the situations that I've just mentioned."

- Felix Keith

ARNE SLOT HAS ‘NO CLUE’ IF MOHAMED SALAH WILL PLAY FOR LIVERPOOL AGAIN

• Head coach also insisted he is not ‘weak’ amid row

• Egyptian left out of squad for game at Inter

Mohamed Salah with Hugo Ekitiké (right) and Florian Wirtz during training but the Egyptian was left at home for the trip to play Inter. Photograph: Jason Cairnduff/Action Images/Reuters

Arne Slot has cast further doubt on Mohamed Salah’s future at ­Liverpool by admitting that he has “no clue” whether the forward has played his last game for the club. The head coach also insisted his politeness should not be mistaken for weakness after leaving Salah out of the Champions League game against Inter on Tuesday.

Slot gave his first public ­reaction on Monday to Salah’s incendiary interview at Leeds when ­previewing ­Liverpool’s match at San Siro. He denied Salah’s claims that their relationship had broken down and said only the Egypt international knows who supposedly threw him under a bus and wants him out of the club.

Salah trained on Monday for the second day in succession before Slot told him directly that he would not be travelling to Italy for the Champions League game. The decision to remove the 33-year-old from selection for a short period was taken by the Liverpool hierarchy in conjunction with Slot, and with the full support of the Dutch coach. Salah could also miss the home game against Brighton on Saturday. He is due to report for Africa Cup of Nations duty with Egypt on Monday and could be away from Liverpool until mid-January, when Saudi Arabian interest in the forward is likely to be rekindled.

Asked whether there is a way back for Salah at Liverpool, who have the player under contract until the summer of 2027, Slot replied: “I am a firm believer that there is always a possibility to return for a player. But that is not … I can leave it with that I think.”

The head coach, however, was pressed again on the possibility that the third highest goalscorer in Liver­pool’s history may have played his last game for the club. “I have no clue,” Slot replied. “I cannot answer that question at this point in time.”

Slot said that he was taken aback by Salah’s comment that their once‑healthy relationship has broken down, having been benched for three consecutive games for the first time in his Liverpool career. “That is not the way I feel, but he has the right to feel how he feels things,” Slot said.

Arne Slot said he was baffled by the claim that he had no relationship with Mohamed Salah. Photograph: Peter Byrne/PA

“I haven’t felt that at all until Satur­day evening for sure. When I don’t play someone usually players don’t like the manager that much but he was really respectful to the staff and manager, his teammates and he trained very hard so it was a surprise to me when I heard the comments he gave. But it is not the first or last time a player who doesn’t play says something similar to what he did. But my reaction to that is clear and that’s why he is not here tonight.”

Slot said it was difficult to know who Salah was referring to when he claimed someone at Liverpool had thrown him under a bus. But he admitted having only a brief exchange with the player since Saturday – when informing him of the decision to leave him behind on Merseyside – and insisted the club’s reaction demonstrated his authority.

“Usually I’m calm, I’m polite,” Slot said. “But that doesn’t mean I’m weak so if a player has these comments about so many things then it’s up to me and the club to react. We reacted in a way you can see – he’s not here.”

Liverpool would have been low on numbers against Inter even if Salah had been included on the trip. Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo are absent through illness and injury – Chiesa could fly out on the day of the game should he recover from illness, while Gakpo is out for a few weeks having picked up an injury against Leeds – leaving Slot with a squad of 19 players that includes three goalkeepers and three teenagers.

The first-choice keeper Alisson also addressed the media on Monday and said he hoped Salah would play for Liverpool again. “I don’t think anything but I hope he plays again for the club,” he said.

“That’s a personal situation between Mo and the club. We as his teammates and his friends, we hope the best thing ­happens for him, but as Liverpool players we want the best for the club as well. We want a win-win situation for everyone.”

Alisson also insisted the remainder of the squad were firmly behind Slot following a miserable run of results and performances. The Brazil international said: “Before Arne came in everyone talks about the huge challenge being a substitute for Jürgen Klopp. Now it looks like everyone takes for granted what we achieved last season. It should not be taken for granted. That should be enough but we believe in his knowledge. We believe in his style of play and that he is capable of helping us to turn around this situation. I believe this is not only about ourselves [the players being behind Slot] but that’s the situation with the club as well.”

Meanwhile, Jamie Carragher spoke out strongly against Salah on Monday night on Sky Sports. Among a series of criticisms, the former Liverpool player said: “He’s chosen this weekend to do this, and he’s waited I think to choose a bad result for Liverpool. Supporters, the manager, everyone at the club feels like they’re in the gutter and he’s chosen that time to go for the manager and maybe get him sacked.

“I’d remind Salah and his agent that before he came to Liverpool he was known as the man who failed at Chelsea. He’d never won a major trophy before he came to Liverpool.”

- Andy Hunter in Milan

MOHAMED SALAH IS 'MAKING IT ALL ABOUT HIM,' DANNY MURPHY CLAIMS AS FORMER LIVERPOOL MIDFIELDER HITS OUT AT REDS STAR'S RANT

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has slammed Mohamed Salah for his Liverpool outburst that left his future at the club up in the air.

The Reds star shocked the football world on Saturday night when he launched a tirade on his club and manager Arne Slot, admitting he may have played his last game for the side and taking aim at the Dutchman for dropping him from the starting XI in recent matches.

Salah said, among other lines: 'I'm very disappointed, I've done so much for this club - everyone can see that - over years, especially last season, sitting on the bench I don't know why. It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That's how I feel it.'

The rant comes at a tough time for Liverpool. The Reds are ninth in the Premier League standings and have won just one of their last five league matches, with uncertainty rife over Slot's future.

Murphy, who played 249 times for the Reds, argued that point, suggesting Salahis causing the team another issue by speaking out for personal gain.

Salah blasted Liverpool and manager Arne Slot (right) following his side's 3-3 draw with Leeds

'I think you can be emotional, you can be angry and frustrated. He's done wonderful things for the football club, (but) you have to keep it within the four walls of the football club.

'Knock on the manager's door, go and see the CEO, the owner, do what you've got to do. By doing what he's done he's causing the team a problem, he's causing the manager a problem and he's making it all about him. You just can't do it. 

'We know that's an emotional response and doesn't really stack up,' he said on Match of the Day. 'Everyone has to keep fighting for their place and perform at a certain level.

Former Liverpool midfielder Murphy said Salah has been 'making it all about him'

'I think you can be emotional, you can be angry and frustrated. He's done wonderful things for the football club, (but) you have to keep it within the four walls of the football club.

'Knock on the manager's door, go and see the CEO, the owner, do what you've got to do. By doing what he's done he's causing the team a problem, he's causing the manager a problem and he's making it all about him. You just can't do it. 

Salah has expressed his frustration at being left out for three games in a row under Slot. He has one game left he can play in - away to Brighton next weekend - before he heads off to the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt.

'Whether you agree with him being left out or not, you can't do it like this,' Murphy continued. 'I think he will have time to settle down.

'The reality is everybody would want a legend like Salah to go on good terms with a wonderful send off. I hope it doesn't end badly because of everything he has given, but there's always a chance if he's adamant.

'Liverpool Football Club are in charge of what happens because he's signed the contract but if he's adamant he wants to leave maybe we will see something in January, but I hope not.'

- LEWIS BROWNING

CRITICS SLAM ARNE SLOT ONLINE

 

DIOGO JOTA TRANSFER PLAN WAS IN THE WORKS BEFORE TRAGIC DEATH

Porto president Andre Villas-Boas revealed a plan was in place to sign Diogo Jota, who would have turned 29 this Thursday

Diogo Jota could have made a sensational return to his homeland before his tragic death(Image: Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Diogo Jota was in talks with Porto about a potential return before the Liverpool star's fatal car accident. The Portuguese forward, who would have celebrated his 29th birthday today, was travelling with his brother Andre Silva in Zamora, Spain, when Jota lost control of his Lamborghini and crashed, killing both of them.

The incident sent shockwaves through the footballing world and happened just 11 days after Jota married long-term partner Rute Cardoso. During his time at Anfield, Jota scored 65 goals in 182 appearances, helping Liverpool win the FA Cup, League Cup and Premier League. He remained an integral member of the team but was offered a move back to Portugal.

Former Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas, who is now the president of Porto, revealed that a plan was in place for Jota to return to the club where it all began, prior to his tragic death.

Speaking at the funeral of the two young men, Villas-Boas said: "Unfortunately, we were working with agent Jorge Mendes on Diogo Jota's return to FC Porto, and it won't be possible.

"It would be from 2026-27, and we had discussed the possibility. I made a point of conveying that message to Diogo, through Jorge Mendes, at his wedding, and it was a dream for all the Porto fans that it would happen."

Paying tribute, he added: "Diogo has a history in the senior ranks, and Andre has many years from the children's ranks to the under-19s. They were much loved. We've come to pay our respects to the family. Diogo, especially as the greatest public figure, was a silent hero. We all appreciated him for everything he stood for, not only on the pitch but also off it."

Andre Villas-Boas arriving at Diogo Jota and Andre Silva's funeral(Image: Photo by FILIPE AMORIM/AFP via Getty Images)

He continued: "He was a partner of FC Porto with its Esports team. Someone who will be remembered fondly, just like his brother. Diogo wasn't a member [of the club], but he became one today. I hope that all FC Porto members understand this move.

"In Andre Silva's case, we symbolically recovered his membership fees and gave them to his family. We intended to leave the two membership cards here. I did it as chairman of the board.

"Condolences to everyone, to the team-mates from Liverpool, Wolverhampton, Gondomar and P. Ferrreira. And Penafiel, who also lost a great mate. It's tragic and deserves a moment of reflection."

- Dylan James

ARNE SLOT ON LIVERPOOL'S RECENT FORM

 

LIVERPOOL SACK AGREEMENT REACHED AFTER ARNE SLOT DISASTER VS PSV

Liverpool were thrashed 4-1 by PSV in the latest disappointment for Arne Slot's side.

Steve McManaman and Steven Gerrard reached an agreement that it remains "too early" to consider sacking Liverpool boss Arne Slot. The Dutch head coach faces mounting scrutiny following the Reds' ninth loss in 12 matches, the latest being PSV's commanding 4-1 triumph at Anfield. Former Liverpool captain Gerrard echoed his ex-Anfield colleague's view on the Slot's position. However, he suggested that "serious questions" would be posed to the Premier League-winning coach.

Following the setback against the Eredivisie outfit, the Reds have now slipped outside the automatic qualification spots for the Champions League last-16. In European competition, Liverpool must navigate challenging away fixtures at Inter Milan and Marseille before hosting Qarabag at Anfield in their final group match.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot reacts after the Champions League defeat to PSV. (Image: PA)

Slot is facing growing demands to be removed from his position at Anfield following a sequence of nine losses in their previous 12 outings. Nevertheless, McManaman and Gerrard were quick to support him.

"I think no. I think it's far too early, what he's achieved and where he is now this year, that's a good run of fixtures," said McManaman.

"I understand the question completely but with that run of fixtures, Liverpool still fighting in the Champions League, it's far too early to come up with a question like that. They will have to be knocked out of the Champions League and wallowing at the bottom of the league.

"I think they play Arsenal second week in Jan, that's when the question should be asked. Hopefully they'll have climbed the table. You have to give him time for the signings, who have constantly been injured, they're ones you'd expect to come in and lift the team.

"If anything, they've detracted from the team, they look lobsided. It's far too early to ask a manager that question when he's achieved so much in a small space of time, I do understand the world we live in, that question will be bandied around."

Gerrard added: "That's the world we live in, that's football in the modern day. I've been in that position myself.

"You understand that if you're not getting the results, there is going to be serious questions asked, stewards inquiry, that comes with the territory especially at the top end.

"I agree Macca, from me and you because we lived through it and suffered. I've been both sides. It's going to come."

Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk was at fault for the opening goal as the visitors endured yet another dreadful start, following the Dutchman's handball inside the box.

Dominik Szoboszlai struck back to level matters for the Reds before Cody Gakpo, Hugo Ekitike and Van Dijk threatened prior to half-time. Alexis Mac Allister, Van Dijk and Gakpo all had chances to put Liverpool ahead.

But they were unable to capitalise and PSV punished a series of mistakes from Liverpool as Guus Til and a Couhaib Driouech brace made matters worse for Slot.

- Stephen Killen

LIVERPOOL'S 50TH WIN AGAINST EVERTON AT ANFIELD

 

VIRGIL VAN DIJK SNATCHES CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WIN FOR LIVERPOOL AS DIEGO SIMEONE SEES RED

Champions League: Liverpool defeated Atletico Madrid 3-2

Virgil van Dijk's stoppage-time winner sparked a confrontation between Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone and Liverpool fans at Anfield as the Reds opened their Champions League campaign with a dramatic 3-2 victory.

Virgil van Dijk's stoppage-time winner sparked a confrontation between Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone and Liverpool fans at Anfield as the Reds opened their Champions League campaign with a dramatic 3-2 victory on Wednesday. Simeone was shown a red card in the aftermath of Van Dijk's 92nd-minute header after his side had come from 2-0 down to level thanks to a double from Marcos Llorente. Liverpool looked on course to wipe the floor with the struggling Spanish giants after scoring twice in the opening six minutes.

Mohamed Salah outshone Alexander Isak on his first Liverpool start as his free-kick deflected in off Andy Robertson before the Egyptian fired home himself.

Llorente was the scourge of Liverpool five years ago as Atletico came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at Anfield in a contentious last-16 tie.

History was set to repeat itself until this time Liverpool grabbed the late winner that lit the fuse between the home support and the visiting manager.

Simeone appeared to be demanding the removal of one fan in particular even after he was shown a red card by Italian referee Maurizio Mariani.

"In the same way we fight against racism, we should look at this too because we don't have a right to respond and it is not easy to be insulted during the entire match," said Simeone.

"My reaction isn't justifiable but do you know what it is like to be insulted for 90 minutes?"

Liverpool have now won all five of their opening Premier League and Champions League games with winning goals after the 80th minute.

But Arne Slot was disappointed not to have had the three points wrapped up well before stoppage time after a flying start.

"A game like this should not have gone to a late game winner," said the Dutch coach.

"I understand that's the story of this game and the last five games but for me it is a different game than the ones we played before. We had so many great attacks today where we could have scored the third goal."

Salah on song

Isak made his debut after becoming the most expensive player in English football history following his 125 million pounds ($170 million) move from Newcastle.

Liverpool's triumvirate of big money forward signings, also including Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, has at times left Salah on the fringes of the action in the opening weeks of the season.

But Salah was back to his best on Wednesday.

Robertson knew little about his goal as Salah's free-kick hit the Scotland captain to completely wrong-foot Jan Oblak.

Moments later Salah showed his speed, strength and quick feet to see off three Atletico challenges and slot in from Ryan Gravenberch's pass.

Salah was close to a stunning third after being sent clear by Wirtz's through ball as Liverpool looked set to run riot.

Atletico have endured a torrid start to the campaign, winning just one of their opening four La Liga matches.

Against the run of play the visitors suddenly had a lifeline in first-half stoppage time when Llorente prodded a shot into the far corner.

Liverpool were nearly made to rue a series of chances to put the result beyond doubt before Llorente struck again.

Salah came closest when he hit the inside of the post at the end of a brilliant counter-attack involving Wirtz, Ekitike and Dominik Szoboszlai.

Despite not dropping a point in the Premier League so far, chinks in Liverpool's armour have been exposed after a huge summer overhaul of the squad that cruised to the title last season.

Including the Community Shield defeat by Crystal Palace, Slot's men have now conceded two or more goals in four of their opening six matches of the campaign.

There was some fortune to Atletico's leveller as Llorente's volley deflected off Alexis Mac Allister to leave Alisson Becker helpless on 81 minutes.

But the rock solid defensive organisation of Simeone's best Atletico sides is lacking in his current crop and they failed to resist the Liverpool onslaught.

Van Dijk was left completely unmarked to power in Szoboszlai's corner, causing the Argentine's anger to boil over.

- Agence France-Presse

BRITISH TRANSFER RECORD FOR ALEXANDER ISAK AS HE FINALLY SIGNS FOR LIVERPOOL

 

SZOBOSZLAI'S FREE-KICK SINKS ARSENAL | LIVERPOOL 1-0 ARSENAL

 

PREMIER LEAGUE OPENER HALTED AFTER ANTOINE SEMENYO REPORTS RACIAL ABUSE

Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo celebrates scoring his second goal of the season's opening Premier League game. Pic: PA

A man was ejected from Anfield after reports of racial abuse directed at Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo during the season's opening Premier League game against Liverpool.

Match referee Anthony Taylor paused play in the 29th minute after Semenyo accused a spectator of racist abuse.

An anti-discrimination message was read out to the Anfield crowd, and it is understood that police officers went into the referee's room at half-time.

Merseyside Police said an investigation is under way after the 47-year-old man's identity was confirmed and he was removed from the ground.

Chief Inspector Kev Chatterton, the match commander for the Liverpool v Bournemouth game, said: "Merseyside Police will not tolerate hate crime of any form.

"We take incidents like this very seriously, and in cases like this we will be proactively seeking football banning orders, with the club, against those responsible."

He added: "There is no place for racism and it is vital that anyone who witnesses such an offence reports it to stewards, or the police immediately, so we can take the necessary action like we did this evening.

"As with all matches, we work very closely with both Liverpool and Everton FC to ensure the safety of the public, and the players."

A spokesperson for Liverpool said the club was "aware of an allegation of racist abuse made during our Premier League game against Bournemouth".

Semenyo with his teammates during the match. Pic: PA

The Liverpool spokesperson said: "We condemn racism and discrimination in all forms, it has no place in society, or football.

"The club is unable to comment further as tonight's alleged is incident is the subject of an ongoing police investigation, which we will support fully."

After the incident, Semenyo scored twice in the second half to help bring Bournemouth back from two goals down at Anfield before Liverpool went on to eventually win the contest 4-2.

Bournemouth captain Adam Smith told Sky Sports News afterwards: "It shouldn't be happening. I don't know how Ant's played on to be honest and come up with those goals. It's totally unacceptable.

"Something needs to be done. Taking the knee isn't having an effect. We're supporting him and hopefully he'll be OK.

"I wanted him to react because that's what I would have done, but this shows what type of man he is...to come up with those goals showed the type of guy he is.

"To be fair the Liverpool players were very supportive as well towards Antoine and the rest of the team. It was handled in the right way but... so angry.

"I don't know what else we can do. No one's getting it. I don't know what to say anymore. I just feel for Ant... shocking."

The Premier League said in a statement that its "on-field anti-discrimination protocol" had been followed and the incident "will now be fully investigated".

"We offer our full support to the player and both clubs," it added. "Racism has no place in our game, or anywhere in society. We will continue to work with stakeholders and authorities to ensure our stadiums are an inclusive and welcoming environment for all."

The Football Association said it was "concerned" about the allegation of racism towards Semenyo and that it would ensure "appropriate action" would be taken.

The incident comes two days after Tottenham Hotspur player Mathys Tel faced racist abuse online following a missed penalty in his team's UEFA Super Cup victory over Paris Saint-Germain.

- Sky News