DANNY MURPHY has apologised after claiming some Liverpool players are “not fit to lace Kevin De Bruyne’s boots” as he blasted the end of season guard of honour.
The former Reds star slammed the planned show of respect ahead of Manchester City’s game against Jurgen Klopp’s side as a load of “nonsense”.
Danny Murphy has apologised for his comments on giving Liverpool the traditional guard of honour
Danny Murphy suggested City star Kevin De Bruyne will be clapping players who are not as good as him
Murphy was hit with a wave of backlash after suggesting that the idea is an insult to the likes of De Bruyne – who is far too good to be clapping the champions.
The 43-year-old has since apologised for his choice of words and insists he holds nothing but respect for the table toppers.
He took to Instagram and wrote: “Yesterday on @talksport discussing the concept of the guard of honour I used a poor choice of wording which I apologise for in relation to @liverpoolfc midfield.
“Just to clarify I have nothing but admiration and respect for all the LFC players and their incredible achievements over the last 2 years.
“I would hate for a misplaced throwaway phrase which wasn’t thought through to imply anything otherwise. I of course don’t always get it right when doing live tv and radio but will always hold my hands up and apologise when I don’t.”
The Reds wrapped up the title last week when City slipped up at Chelsea.
And Etihad boss Pep Guardiola said his deposed champions will give bitter rivals Liverpool a guard of honour when they host the Merseysiders on Thursday “because they deserve it”.
It led to Murphy to question the tradition on talkSPORT, saying: “It’s a perception of respect… ‘the right thing to do’.
“The message you’re trying to send to the football world that when somebody wins, that you show respect and grace.
“The fact City will be doing it on Thursday will show humility, saying ‘well done’ to Liverpool and appreciation for their quality.
“I think it’s a load of nonsense.
“I don’t know where it started and why it started, I would feel uncomfortable doing it.
“I’d do it because you have to do it, but I wouldn’t want to, because it’s not done with sincerity.
“If I was a Liverpool player and United won the league, you know they’re better than you, you respect that and you’re trying your best to be like them, so they know you respect them.
“The fans don’t want you to do it, the players don’t really want to do it, it’s all for effect and it doesn’t mean anything.”
Murphy continued by saying it’s an insult to the likes of De Bruyne – who is far too good to be clapping the champions.
He continued: “Kevin De Bruyne is the best midfielder, probably, in the world, and he’s clapping his hands and giving a guard of honour to players who can’t even lace his boots.
“And if I’d won it and was walking through, I’d feel awkward. I’d feel uncomfortable.
“I understand why the powers that be created it, because it does give off the right message to those watching.
“But I don’t see the point.”
Murphy played for Liverpool between 1997 and 2004, clocking up 249 appearances for the Reds.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
