In solidarity, Liverpool share sorrow of Thai public
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE club Liverpool made a graceful gesture that went along with its famous song “You’ll never walk alone” when the Reds shared the sorrow of mourning Thai fans in the encounter against fierce rivals Manchester United on Monday.
The Merseyside club boasts, arguably, the biggest fan base in the Kingdom. When the whole country is still struggling to come to terms with the passing of His Majesty the King, the 18-time English champions were quick to show they were ready to walk through difficult times with the Thai people.
During Monday’s home clash against United that ended up in 0-0- draw, Liverpool expressed their condolences to the country, which lost its longest-reigning monarch.
“Your loyal subjects humbly recall Your Majesty’s boundless and gracious kindness, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the king of all Thai people. Your loyal subject, Liverpool Football Club,” read a message in Thai that was displayed on the LED screens around the Anfield pitch.
It came after Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson conveyed the condolences to Thai fans. “On behalf of everyone at Liverpool Football Club, our players and staff, we would like to pay respect to the king of Thailand. And, our thoughts are with our fans in Thailand at this time,” the England international said in video posted on the club’s Facebook Thailand fan page on the eve of the United fixture.
Liverpool, though, were not the only English club to join the mourning of Thais. Premier League holders Leicester City and second-tier Championship outfit Reading, two of the three Thai-owned teams, opted to wear a black armband as a mark of respect to the king during the league fixtures during the weekend. Everton, who have enjoyed a long-standing shirt sponsorship deal with Thaibev, preferred to play in yellow jersey, the colour that represents HM the King, for Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Premier League leaders Manchester City as well as sporting a black armband.
Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund and Spanish La Liga outfit Valencia were among other European clubs, who expressed their condolences on its official website.
Meanwhile, Manchester United announced the cancellation of “#ILOVEUNITED” fan party scheduled on October 23 at Central World out of respect for the king.
“Everyone at Manchester United, including Bryan Robson and Nemanja Vidic, who were due to attend #ILOVEUNITED, is saddened to hear that King Bhumibol Adulyadej has passed away. We understand this is a moment of mourning and grief for people in Thailand. We will aim to stage an event for Thai fans by the end of the season,” Richard Arnold, United Group Managing Director, said.
