Prior to Sunday’s Premier League match at Liverpool, Manchester United striker Wout Weghorst explained why he appeared to touch the “This Is Anfield” sign.
The sign is located in the tunnel for players at Liverpool’s stadium, and it is customary for home team players to touch the logo before entering the playing area.
That does not apply to away players, though, as new video appears to show Weghorst touching the sign.
The Dutch international striker, who is on loan from Burnley to United through the remainder of the current season, has since come forward to clarify that he was actually trying to prevent Reds defender Virgil van Dijk – Weghorst’s international teammate – from touching the sign to “wind him up” before the game.
Weghorst issued a statement on his social media pages on Tuesday, he wrote;
“Normally I never react on media topics, but for this one, it’s worth it because you amazing United fans are important to me. So I just want to clarify the video that is doing the rounds.
“From the National team, I know that Virgil always touches that sign and I went to stop him touching it to try and wind him up before the game.
“As a child I always supported FC Twente, and as a proud player now for Manchester United, my dedication to this incredible club can never be questioned.