Liverpool Apologies for a controversial social media video

Liverpool issued an apology after using a controversial image of the Rising Sun flag to build excitement for the match against Flamengo in the Club World Cup final. The fixture was scintillating with Liverpool being the favorites despite some twitter banter from the Flamengo side.

Roberto Firmino scored in the 99th minute of the game courtesy of a beautiful ball played by Jordan Henderson to Sadio Mane, who took a great first touch and passed the ball to Firmino with his left to seal the win. Liverpool crowned as the Club World Cup champions now leaves them only with a game on boxing-day against Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester City from a successful 2019 winning the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and the CWC.

Ahead of the CWC final, Liverpool published a video in which they reflected on their previous encounter with Flamengo, back in 1981, claiming that the Rising Sun flag was a revenge on the cards.

The problem began with the flag being closely associated with the Imperial Japanese army who invaded large parts of Asia during the Second World War and is considered very close in resemblance with the Nazi Swastika in many countries, including Korea.

However, the issue when brought to Liverpool’s attention, the Reds quickly apologized for their inappropriate selection of images. The club issued a statement that said,” Liverpool Football Club has recently published two images that some find offensive. As soon as it was brought to our attention, we took immediate action to rectify those errors and remove those images.”

“We would like to apologize to anyone who may have been offended and will do everything we can to make sure it doesn’t happen again.” Another controversy situation arose as Liverpool published the apology only in Korea and professor, Seo Kyoungduk of the Sungshin Women’s University took to Instagram, challenging the club to do more. 

He found the apology published in Korea very ridiculous and he expressed himself clearly. The professor also threatened the club to file a complaint against them to the Premier League, Football Association, and FIFA regarding Liverpool liking their Japanese account’s post which shows Klopp with the flag image.

Also, Liverpool are now only the second side to have won the Club World Cup after Manchester United did it in 2008.

Featured image credits- talk sport