Platini: Reds fans not worst
05 Jun 2007 - 16:36:09
UEFA president Michel Platini has backtracked on a claim made by spokesman William Gaillard that Liverpool fans are the worst behaved in Europe.
Gaillard levelled the claim following the ugly scenes which marred last month's Champions League final in Athens when some Reds fans without tickets forced their way into the Olympic Stadium for the match against AC Milan.
Gaillard went on to suggest that 25 incidents at away matches in the last four years marked Liverpool fans out as the worst on the continent.
However, Platini, speaking after a meeting with sports minister Richard Caborn, insists Reds fans do not deserve such a reputation.
"No they are not, it's official, they are not the worst behaved in Europe," he said.
Meanwhile, co-owner Tom Hicks expects the club to unveil several new signings following the news that Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher have committed their future to the club until 2011 by signing new long-term contracts.
Hicks remains in close contact with chief executive Rick Parry and also manager Rafael Benitez, who is desperate to strengthen his squad before next season.
"I would say to fans 'just be patient', because we're talking to Rafa often. We are going to sign some good players, some good young players," he said.
"Rick Parry is in charge of getting the contracts negotiated and I think the fans will like the outcome.
"Maybe we'll hear something in the next week."