Liverpool fans have come up with unusual reason for Atalanta defeat

Liverpool fans have an unusual theory for the shock 3-0 Europa League quarter-final first leg defeat to Atalanta on Thursday night.

The Reds were pummelled 3-0 at Anfield, with former West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca bagging a brace and Mario Pasalic completing the scoring late on.

Liverpool rarely lose so heavily on their own patch and a first loss since the 5-2 defeat to Real Madrid in February 2023 gives them a mountain to climb when they head to the Gewiss Stadium next week.

Thursday's humbling could well turn out to be Jurgen Klopp's final European night at Anfield but some fans have an explanation for the surprisingly poor showing.

There was a major change at the iconic ground as no flags were displayed in the Kop behind the goal.

The decision was made by Spion Kop 1906, the club's supporters' group who organises the banners, as a protest to a two per cent increase in season ticket prices announced.

Image: Getty

And some supporters believe the lack of flags had a bearing on the atmosphere at Anfield.

One said: "That’s it. Klopp last European night at Anfield and we decided to ban flags? I mean you couldn’t write it.

A second agreed: "Yay..great choice of game to do a flag protest. Probably Klopp last european night at anfield."

A third commented: "The atmosphere at Anfield tonight for a European quarterfinal has been nothing short of disgraceful."

Another user opined: "The players have been poor but there's truth in this."

A final person wrote: "I gotta agree here . European night at home no flags. It’s why we are so good in. Europe. No excusing the performance but odd decision timing wise."

Image: Getty

Liverpool, second in the Premier League on goal difference, return to action on Sunday when they host Crystal Palace at Anfield.

There will be some flags to mark the anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.

Topics: Atalanta, Europa League, Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool, Fan Reactions

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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