Liverpool fans have come up with unusual reason for Atalanta defeat

Liverpool fans have come up with an unusual theory to explain the surprising 3-0 defeat in the Europa League quarter-final first leg against Atalanta on Thursday night.

The Reds suffered a heavy loss at Anfield, with former West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca scoring twice and Mario Pasalic adding another late goal.

Liverpool seldom experience such heavy defeats at home, and this loss, the first since the 5-2 defeat to Real Madrid in February 2023, leaves them facing an uphill battle when they travel to the Gewiss Stadium next week.

Thursday’s disappointing loss could potentially mark Jurgen Klopp’s final European night at Anfield, but some fans have offered an explanation for the unexpectedly poor performance. A significant change occurred at the iconic stadium, as no flags were displayed in the Kop behind the goal.

This decision was made by Spion Kop 1906, the club’s supporters’ group responsible for organizing banners, as a protest against a recently announced two per cent increase in season ticket prices.

Some supporters believe that the absence of flags had an impact 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.”

Liverpool, currently second in the Premier League on goal difference, will be back in action on Sunday as they host Crystal Palace at Anfield.

There will be some flags displayed at Anfield to commemorate the anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.