Liverpool and Manchester United have called for an end to taunts around the club’s respective tragedies.
Both Jurgen Klopp and counterpart Erik ten Hag made the heartfelt plea on the eve of Sunday’s Premier League clash between the North West rivals.
Unsavoury chants about the Munich air disaster, Heysel and Hillsborough have been made during the emotionally-charged fixture both online and at games.
Ahead of their latest Anfield encounter, the Reds and United jointly implored both sets of supporters to take steps to eradicate those harmful acts.
“One of the main reasons why the rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United is so special is that it is so intense and no-one should ever want to change this,” said Klopp.
“But at the same time, when the rivalry becomes too intense it can go to places that are not good for anyone and we do not need this.
“We do want the noise; we do want the occasion to be partisan and we do want the atmosphere to be electric.
“What we do not want is anything that goes beyond this and this applies especially to the kind of chants that have no place in football.
“If we can keep the passion and lose the poison, it will be so much better for everyone.”
Ten Hag added: “The rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool is one of the greatest in world football.
“We all love the passion of the fans when our teams meet, but there are lines that should not be crossed.
“It is unacceptable to use the loss of life – in relation to any tragedy – to score points, and it is time for it to stop.
“Those responsible tarnish not only the reputation of our clubs but also, importantly, the reputation of themselves, the fans, and our great cities.
“On behalf of myself, our players, and our staff, we ask our fans to focus on supporting the team on Sunday, and representing our club in the right way.”