Liverpool, Manchester United issue joint statement to warn fans over behaviour

Philippe Coutinho and Juan Mata in action during the Europa League game between Liverpool and Manchester United on March 10, 2016
© AFP
Liverpool and Manchester United issue a joint statement warning supporters against "offensive and discriminatory behaviour" ahead of Monday's clash.

Liverpool and Manchester United have released a joint statement warning supporters against "offensive and discriminatory behaviour" ahead of Monday night's Premier League clash.

The long-standing rivals will go head to head for the first time this season when Liverpool welcome Jose Mourinho's side to Anfield in four days' time.

Three points currently separate the arch enemies, with Jurgen Klopp's men fourth in the table and United sixth after seven games.

Ahead of the showdown, both clubs have come together to call for respect between supporters and warned that anyone guilty of unsavoury behaviour will be removed from the ground.

The joint statement read: "Both clubs, their supporters and football fans around the world are looking forward to this historic and passionate match between two of the sport's biggest and oldest rivals.

"There is great rivalry between our fans and we ask all supporters to be respectful and help eradicate all forms of offensive and discriminatory behaviour from the game.

"If any supporters are found to be engaged in any form of offensive or discriminatory behaviour by stewards or via CCTV then they will be immediately removed from the stadium, risk arrest, prosecution and be reported in accordance with the club's ground regulations. This is an unrivalled fixture in the Premier League calendar and we thank all fans for their continued support in this important area of the game."

Liverpool have won five of their league games so far this season, drawing one and losing one, while United have won four, lost two and drawn one.

Matteo Darmian of Manchester United on the ball during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Sunderland at Old Trafford on September 26, 2015 in Manchester, United Kingdom.
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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City86111981119
2Arsenal86111991019
3Tottenham HotspurSpurs8530134918
4Liverpool85211810817
5Chelsea8512159616
6Everton8431126615
7Manchester UnitedMan Utd8422138514
8Southampton8332107312
9Crystal Palace8323119211
10Watford83231313011
11Bournemouth83231212011
12West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom824298110
13Leicester CityLeicester8224814-68
14Burnley8215612-67
15West Ham UnitedWest Ham8215917-87
16Hull City8215820-127
17Middlesbrough8134711-46
18Stoke CityStoke8134716-96
19Swansea CitySwansea8116815-74
20Sunderland8026615-92