Wout Weghorst says he only touched the 'This Is Anfield' sign to stop Virgil van Dijk from doing so ahead of Liverpool's 7-0 demolition of Manchester United on Sunday.
The Anfield sign is in the players' tunnel at Liverpool's stadium and it is customary for players of the home club to touch the logo before making their way onto the field of play. However, that is not applicable to away players – with footage emerging appearing to show Weghorst touching the sign.
The Dutch international striker, who is on loan at United from Burnley until the end of the current campaign, was heavily criticised by Red Devils fans on social media but has now moved to explain what happened.
A statement from Weghorst, released on his social media accounts on Tuesday, read: "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.
"Sunday was a terrible day for all of us. We are putting everything into making it right in the next weeks. We will bounce back together and achieve our aims this season!"
Van Dijk alongside Liverpool teammates Cody Gakpo and Trent Alexander-Arnold moved to touch the sign ahead of walking out onto the pitch ahead of the game on Sunday, but many had been left wondering why Weghorst had appeared to move to do the same.
Weghorst’s statement also addressed speculation that he had been a Liverpool fan, with comments several years ago suggesting that he had admired the Merseyside club – whom he faced with their great rivals on Sunday.
Back in 2020, Weghorst said: "I always found Liverpool very special. I still get goosebumps from 'You'll Never Walk Alone'. There are other great English clubs too, and I always liked Milan because so many Dutch played there."
