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Bill Shankly grandson calls for statue to be removed from outside Anfield

Bill Shankly grandson calls for statue to be removed from outside Anfield
© Reuters
The grandson of Liverpool legend Bill Shankly calls for the removal of his grandfather's statue, after he is left "appalled and embarrassed" by the Super League plans.

The grandson of Liverpool legend Bill Shankly has called for his grandad's statue to be removed from outside Anfield.

Chris Carline has found himself feeling "appalled and embarrassed" over the Reds' involvement with the European Super League, and believes that the owners have betrayed Shankly's ethos and values.

The former Liverpool manager took charge of 753 games over a 15-year period, in which time he won the league three times, the FA Cup twice and the UEFA Cup once.

Speaking to Liverpool Echo, Carline said: "I know my Grandad has been quoted more than ever right now, and rightly so, because what is going on couldn't be further removed from what he wanted for this football club. I'm appalled and embarrassed.

"When you talk about Liverpool Football Club and its history and its roots, you could reference seven, eight or nine of grandad's quotes which are all appropriate to the current situation - socialism, greed and the Holy Trinity - but I also think about one of the less well known comments.

"It's from his book, when he spoke about wanting to bring the football club closer to the fans and the fans closer to the football club. And he achieved that. It's not an understatement to say he would be spinning in his grave at the current situation because it couldn't be further removed from his ethos.

"Given the chance I'd happily see the statue removed. What hurts most is that Liverpool has a history and a tradition, created by him, of doing things the right way and to be one of the six clubs pushing for this move is unacceptable."

Carline believes that the departure of former CEO Peter Moore was a crucial moment in the ownership of Liverpool.

"The loss of Peter Moore was a big disappointment. He made decisions based on the best interests of the supporters and whenever he was involved in a decision he used the mantra 'What would Shanks have done'," he added.

"This current CEO doesn't even live in Liverpool and doesn't visit the area. They don't care. They are happy to replace fans who have devoted their lives to the football club with new corporate fans who will happily fly in and out for occasional games.

"But no-one will take something away from me that I have followed my whole life. We are talking about a dynasty here. I am not going to walk away from the club and boycott matches. It's not the manager or the players who are to blame for this, it's the owners and we all have to fight this decision."

UEFA are expected to take legal action against all of the clubs involved, and many other football authorities have condemned the plans.

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Written by
Sammy Wynne

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