Liverpool Fans Criticize Chelsea’s Madueke Over Guard of Honour Snub
Liverpool walked onto the pitch at Stamford Bridge to a Guard of Honour, having clinched the 2024/25 Premier League title a week earlier with a dominant 5-1 win over Tottenham. However, some eagle-eyed supporters were left fuming after spotting a Chelsea player seemingly not taking part seriously.
Manager Arne Slot, who succeeded Jurgen Klopp and led Liverpool to match Manchester United’s record of 20 English top-flight titles in his first attempt, saw his side receive the traditional Guard of Honour from Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea – the first team to face them after securing the title.
Despite the expected formality, Liverpool fans were disappointed by the actions of Chelsea’s Noni Madueke. While teammates like Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill, and Nicolas Jackson clapped respectfully as the champions walked out, Madueke appeared disengaged, offering only half-hearted applause.
Footage of the moment, shared by journalist James Pearce, quickly spread on social media. One Liverpool fan commented, “Madueke so cringe, he’s desperate to come across as a hard man.” Another added, “Might be the most pathetic clapping I’ve ever seen.” Others accused him of lacking respect, with one stating, “He wasn’t clapping,” and another saying, “Madueke has no respect!”
This isn’t the first time Chelsea have provided a Guard of Honour to Liverpool – they also did so in 2020 after Liverpool secured the title under Klopp.