Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric has thanked Anfield for giving him a standing ovation during last nightâs game.
Modric was replaced by Toni Kroos in the final minutes of Madridâs resounding 5-2 win over Liverpool. And, perhaps recognising a final chance to salute an exceptional player, the Liverpool fans applauded his exit from the field.
After being on the end of two Champions League final defeats at the hands of Modric and another thumping last night, it was a classy gesture from the supporters.
Taking to Twitter after the game, this was something the 37-year-old acknowledged. Maybe now heâll stop making disparaging and classless comments about our players.
Anfield shows its respect
Some fans wonât like the fact that opposition players are being applauded from the field after spanking Liverpool. And thatâs fair enough.
But itâs truly part of what makes Anfield a special place to play football, whatever side youâre on.
Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has recently spoken of his appreciation at being given an applause when facing Liverpool.
We saw it last season too, when Cristiano Ronaldo was given an ovation by the full stadium with Manchester United in town.
These kinds of shows of respect are small, but they really do go a long way. Football shouldnât be a game about animosity and hatred for rival fans and players.
At the end of the day, weâre all wanting the same thing â for our team to do well. That obviously has to come at the expense of someone else, but wouldnât we all rather be treated with decorum on the days weâre the ones to pay the price.
One day, Liverpool will get the better of Luka Modric and Real Madrid. Itâs hard to imagine their own notoriously impatient fans reacting in the same way Anfield did here.
But at the very least, these Liverpool fanâs show of respect in a dark hour for their team will be in the back of their minds. Itâs arguable whether Modric is deserving of such applause, but heâs certainly not wrong here â Anfield is special.