West Ham United star Manuel Lanzini has followed in the footsteps of Karren Brady by enraging some Liverpool supporters.
Hammers vice-chairman Brady was savaged by many Liverpool fans back in March.
The unpopular West Ham chief made her stance clear by becoming the first Premier League club official to break ranks and comment publicly after the enforced shutdown.
She wrote in her controversial column in The Sun that the season should be declared null and void.
Photo by Artur Widak NurPhoto via Getty Images
Brady in Liverpool bad books over ‘null and void’ comments
The column, which carried the headline ‘Sorry Liverpool but the season must be declared null and void’ reportedly got her in hot water with her boss David Sullivan (The Daily Mail).
Brady was heavily criticised by fans of Liverpool, Leeds and even some Hammers supporters.
She later backtracked.
Now West Ham midfielder Lanzini has riled Liverpool fans once again.
The Argentine, who has been linked with a big money move to Anfield in the past (The Daily Star), has told Closs Continental it would be ‘crazy’ to even think about resuming the season.
Photo by Arfa Griffiths West Ham United FC via Getty Images
West Ham star Lanzini speaks out on Project Restart
“It would be crazy to play again until there is a vaccine,” Lanzini told Closs Continental.
“If you tell me if I want to play, obviously, but you need to protect others. I would not start now…
“Tomorrow we have to do some work because they believe that the league will return, next week we would train as fives and in two weeks the whole group.”
If football does not return that could scupper Liverpool’s first title for 30 years.
And it is fair to say the West Ham playmaker’s comments did not go down well with some Liverpool fans.
The Telegraph reported on Lanzini’s comments and Liverpool fans did not hold back with their reactions.
There was a lot of cynicism from Reds supporters towards the Hammers.
Photo by Marc Atkins Getty Images
Liverpool fans hit back at Lanzini and West Ham
It comes after West Ham vice-chair Brady used her latest column in The Sun to make it clear she is not a fan of the plan to use eight-10 neutral venues to complete the season.
Lanzini is one of only very few top level stars to have spoken out publicly about the Premier League’s Operation Restart.
Therefore his comments by their very nature are quite controversial, regardless of where you stand in the debate.
Here are a selection of reactions to Lanzini’s comments taken from Twitter.
West Ham again 😂
— Carl (@Carl_M79) May 5, 2020
Said months ago to you I think that West Ham players will be making excuses
— jake (@jaketay88907204) May 5, 2020
Anyone doesn’t want to play fine drop from squad
— andy wade (@andywade13) May 5, 2020
West Ham/Brighton etc’s management…”lads, if you’re doing any interviews, make sure to stress how terrified you are of returning to football…” 👌🙄
— Richard McCarter (@RichyCOD) May 5, 2020
he will still want full pay for 18 months though
— E. (@EzekielElijahJ1) May 5, 2020
Furlough him for next two years! Be packing his boots and tracksuit now!!
— Steve B (@birko1972) May 5, 2020
Lanzini have a relegation salary sacrifice built into his contract by any chance
— Harry (@HarryJo02256121) May 5, 2020
‘Manuel’s not gonna get his haircut until 2021 then’
He isnt forced to play football…
— Mathias Killingstad (@MathiasKilling1) May 5, 2020
Wonder who he plays for
— Champions of Europe & The World (@mainstandred) May 5, 2020
Who does he play for?
— Koppite1892 (@SteveHartshorn5) May 5, 2020
Aul Manuel’s not gonna get his haircut until 2021 then. Furry
— Crimmins (@PropFreeLFC) May 5, 2020
Karen Brady up to her old tricks I bet. Strange how it’s only relegation threatened teams speaking out!
— Luke Langan (@LukeLangan79) May 5, 2020
What happens if they cant find a vaccine?
— Neil B (@BIGBADDERS) May 5, 2020
Play or take less wages. Simple. Can’t have it both ways.
— Jonathan McCready (@JDJMcCread) May 5, 2020