Chelsea to Honor Liverpool with Guard of Honour Amid Criticism

Chelsea will give Liverpool a guard of honour before their upcoming match to recognize Liverpool's recent Premier League title win, with manager Enzo Maresca confirming the gesture as a mark of respect and tradition. While the guard of honour is a long-standing custom in English football, it has drawn criticism from some former players. Ex-Liverpool striker Peter Crouch and Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand both described the tradition as awkward and embarrassing for both the applauding and receiving teams, questioning its necessity. Despite their opposition, Maresca emphasized that Liverpool 'deserve' the recognition for their achievement, and Chelsea will uphold the tradition. The debate highlights contrasting views between maintaining football traditions and evolving sentiments among former professionals. Nevertheless, Chelsea's participation underscores the ongoing respect for champions within the Premier League.