rivals united Messages of support from Manchester United fans highlight respect for grieving Jurgen Klopp

Manchester United were quick to offer their support to Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp when it emerged his mother passed away last month, with the response to their Twitter message drawing a heart warning response.

The two most successful clubs in English football rarely see eye-to-eye on the pitch and their rivalry off it is equally bitter, but all that was put to one side when news of Elisabeth Klopp's passing was confirmed.

While Twitter can be a social media platform that provides a platform for faceless trolls to spill their venom, this was an occasion when United fans responded to the classy message issued by their club with real class.

There may have been some negative tweets from mindless Twitter users elsewhere, but the United feed was full of messages of support that confirmed sporting rivalry is nothing compared to what really matters in life.

Klopp was unable to attend his mother's funeral in Germany as travel between England and Germany is not permitted due to Covid restrictions,

Klopp has often spoken about the importance of family and the bond he had with his parents and he offered up a few words after it was confirmed his mother had died.

"She meant everything to me. She was a real mom in the best sense of the word," he told Logo Schwarzwälder Bote. "As a devout Christian, I know she is in a better place now."

Klopp went on to confirm he was unable to attend the funeral due to Covid-19 restrictions, with flights between England and Germany currently prohibited.

"The fact that I can't attend the funeral is due to the terrible times," he added. "As soon as the circumstances allow, we will hold a wonderful commemoration that corresponds to it."

Reports in Germany suggested Elisabeth passed way on January 19th, two days before Liverpool lost 1-0 at home to Burnley in the Premier League.

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Online Editors