Murphy: Guard of honour is a load of nonsense

Danny Murphy has ridiculed the idea of Liverpool getting a guard of honour by Manchester City ahead of their clash on Thursday night calling the whole tradition as a ‘load of nonsense.’

City manager Pep Guardiola confirmed that his side will honour that tradition in their first game since been crowned as Premier League Champions.

But the former Liverpool midfielder says that he thinks it is a relic from the past and both supporters and players would.rather it not go ahead especially when it comes to paying tribute to major rival.

The Echo (via Talksport) reported Murphy as 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 do it, because it’s not done with sincerity.

Murphy said respect between the teams is natural but to have such a open display is not necessary.

“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.”

“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."

Liverpool have had the shoe on the other foot in more recent times, giving Chelsea a guard of honour when they won the league in the 2014/5 season at Stamford Bridge.

Back then there was a similar discussion, as it was a fierce rival.

However through gritted teeth and a chorus of ridicule from the home stands, Steven Gerrard led his team in the tribute.

Whether Murphy likes it or not, the guard of honour will go ahead at a empty Etihad stadium and will be further vindication of this team's fine achievement.