LIVERPOOL’S trip to Leeds was overshadowed by a number of fan protests over the European Super League – including a plane banner flown over Elland Road denouncing the project.
After the Reds signed up to the hugely controversial plan, even midfielder James Milner stated his discontent with it.
A crowd of Leeds fans turned up outside Elland Road on Monday night to make their voice heard.
Several chants in protest at the ESL were heard before some even attempted to obstruct the Liverpool team bus as it arrived at the ground.
A number of banners were also on display at Anfield before the game, which finished 1-1.
Leeds players donned ‘Earn It’ shirts referring to the Champions League while warming up before the flyover during the match.
It is not known who was behind the banner, that read ‘Say No To Super League’ and was picked up by television cameras as the action unfolded.
Speaking after the draw, former Whites player and Leeds native Milner became one of the few players to speak against the ESL.
The Liverpool star, 35, told Sky Sports: “I don’t like it and hopefully it does not happen.
“I can only say my view, I don’t like it and hopefully it doesn’t happen. I can imagine what has been said about it and I probably agree with a lot of it.”
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Ander Herrera has also voiced his unhappiness, although the French club have not signed up.
One previous critic of the idea was Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who stressed post-game that he and his team have ‘nothing to do’ with the club’s commitment to the ESL.
The German, 53, stated: “The team has nothing to do with it and I have not really anything to do with it but people treat us like we do.
“Leeds supporters came here today before the game and were shouting at us. In the city when we had a walk this afternoon people were shouting at us.
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Should have seen the game out, but credit to Leeds United. We fight with all we have to qualify for the Champions League…that’s our job
#YNWA pic.twitter.com/n7Z0Qnczk3
— James Milner (@JamesMilner) April 19, 2021
“We are employees of the club. I am responsible for a lot of things and when I am involved in things I take the criticism easily, but we are not involved in this.
“It is a tough one at the moment when you hear all your pundits talking about it.
“This club is bigger than all of us. We should not forget this. This club was built in difficult times and went through difficult times.”
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