Bill Shankly’s grandson has claimed that he would like to see the statue dedicated to his deceased grandfather outside Anfield taken down after Liverpool’s announced intention to participate in the Super League.
The recently announced breakout competition has caused outrage around the world with fans furious at the prospect of up to 15 clubs getting a guaranteed spot in the event each season.
Liverpool are one of six English clubs to confirm they will play in the Super League alongside Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham.
Shankly gained legendary status during his time at the helm and led them back to the first division before being named English champion on three occasions.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Shankly’s grandson Chris Carline – who also chairs the Shankly Foundation’s presidency – said he would like to see the statue in memory of his grandfather removed, and that the club’s decision to join the Super League goes against everything. his grandfather believed in.
“I know my grandfather has been quoted more than ever right now, and rightly so, because what is happening could not be removed from what he wanted for this football club,” he told the Liverpool Echo.
Bill Shankly won three English titles as Liverpool boss | Central Press / Getty Images
“I’m terrified and embarrassed. When you talk about Liverpool’s football club and its history and roots, you can refer to seven, eight or nine of my grandfather’s quotes that all fit the current situation – socialism, greed and the Holy Trinity – but I think also on one of the lesser known comments.
“It’s from his book when he talked about wanting to bring the football club closer to the fans and the fans closer to the football club, and he achieved that.”
“It is not an understatement to say that he would spin in his grave over the current situation because it could not be removed from his ethos. Given the chance, I would like to see the statue removed.
Bill Shankly’s statue outside Anfield Visionhaus / Getty Images
Carline added that the move has threatened to undo her grandfather’s hard work at the club and that the Super League proposal was simply unacceptable.
“What hurts the most is that Liverpool have a history and a tradition, created by him, to do things right and to be one of the six clubs pushing this move is unacceptable.”
“The words he made people happy are on that statue and he did just that. He saw it as his mission to give the hard-working fans some leeway at the end of a six-day work week.
“He wanted to give them joy as a reward for their hard work and he obviously achieved that. But this new competition goes against that ethos.”
