Lewis Steele hails Sunderland fans for their ‘truly classy’ act during Liverpool’s win

Lewis Steele applauded Sunderland supporters for a “really classy” moment during Liverpool’s win at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday.

Liverpool became the first away side to win at the Wearside ground in the Premier League this season, thanks to Virgil van Dijk’s 61st-minute strike, ending Sunderland’s unbeaten home run. However, the victory was overshadowed by a worrying ankle injury to Wataru Endo.

The Japanese midfielder, who was once again filling in at right-back, had to be stretchered off after the incident. Arne Slot has since admitted he expects the 33-year-old to be out “for quite a long time.”

Steele, who attended the match for the Daily Mail, was particularly impressed by how most Sunderland fans responded as Endo was taken from the pitch in visible pain. He wrote on X:

“Thought it was nice that (most) Sunderland fans clapped off Wataru Endo btw. A lot would’ve booed, especially with their team losing 1-0 but #SAFC seem a really classy club. Good manager/team, great stadium, loud fans, terrible weather in your city though, sorry!”

Sunderland also showed respect online, posting well wishes for Endo’s recovery across their social media platforms.

In an era where football crowds can sometimes cross the line with toxic chanting, the Sunderland fans’ reaction stood out as a rare and meaningful show of sportsmanship. It was a complete contrast to the negative response Harvey Elliott received at Elland Road in 2021 after suffering a serious ankle injury.

That simple applause will likely mean a lot to Endo and everyone connected to Liverpool — a small gesture, but one that carried real weight.

Unfortunately for the Reds, it now appears Endo could join Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley on the list of players whose seasons may be cut short by serious injuries. Liverpool supporters will be hoping all three can recover fully and return as soon as possible.

Endo has just under 18 months left on his contract, and with the professionalism and commitment he has shown since arriving from Stuttgart in 2023, Liverpool fans will be hoping they still get to see him play several more times in a red shirt.