Jurgen Klopp Bans Ten Liverpool Players from Touching 'This is Anfield' Sign

Jurgen Klopp Prohibits Ten Liverpool Players from Touching 'This is Anfield' Sign

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has enforced a ban on ten players from touching the iconic 'This is Anfield' sign before matches. 

The tradition, which sees players touch the sign before walking onto the pitch, has been a longstanding ritual for Liverpool stars. Installed by legendary manager Bill Shankly 50 years ago, the sign holds significant meaning for the club and its fans.

Klopp initially halted the tradition in 2016, and now, ten players from his squad are barred from partaking in the pre-game ritual due to their lack of trophy wins with the club. 

Among those affected are Darwin Nunez, who joined Liverpool from Benfica in a £85 million move after the last cup final win, and newcomers like Cody Gakpo, Stefan Bajcetic, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, Ryan Gravenberch, and Ben Doak, all of whom arrived at the club post the last trophy victory.

Additionally, academy graduates Jarell Quansah and Conor Bradley find themselves on the banned list, bringing the total to ten players who are denied the opportunity to partake in this symbolic gesture. Klopp's decision underscores his emphasis on merit and achievement within the club's culture, as players must earn the privilege to engage in revered traditions.