Will Chelsea Honour Liverpool’s Triumph? The Tradition of the Guard of Honour Explained
This weekend, Liverpool will step back onto the pitch as the reigning champions of the Premier League, having clinched their title with four matches still to play. As they prepare for their match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, a pertinent question arises: will the Blues uphold the tradition by giving Liverpool a guard of honour?
A guard of honour is a ceremonial tribute, typically reserved for champions of the league, where opposing players form a line and applaud as the title winners enter the field. This gesture, while rich in sportsmanship, is not mandated by league rules. It emerges as a voluntary display of respect for the champion’s achievement.
Chelsea's head coach, Enzo Maresca, has publicly expressed a desire to honour Liverpool, stating, "It’s a tradition, it’s something you have to do, and we want to do." His sentiments underline the importance of this ritual, especially given Liverpool's prominent status in the league after securing the title.
The tradition has historical roots within English football, dating back to 1955 when Manchester United first offered a guard of honour to Chelsea after they secured their league title. This gesture signifies not just acknowledgment of a team’s success but also respect for the competition in the sport.
While the practice has become more common, it’s essential to note that teams are not compelled by regulations to offer a guard of honour. Instances where teams have opted not to provide this accolade have often been scrutinised, leaving clubs to grapple with the implications of their decisions. For example, during Liverpool’s prior title-winning season in 2020, Manchester City's Bernardo Silva notably declined to clap for Liverpool as they took to the field, which generated considerable discussion about camaraderie and rivalry in football.
Throughout the years, Liverpool has experienced a variety of welcomes from opposing teams. In the 2019/20 season, they received a guard of honour from each of their final seven opponents, an unprecedented achievement that emphasized their dominance in the league that year. Chelsea, who were competitors in that campaign, contributed to the honour given the mutual respect between the clubs, which has continued into the current season.
The question now remains: will Chelsea follow through with their intended honour this Sunday? With the stakes high as they aspire for a Champions League spot, the underlying tensions of competition may stir decision-making within the club. Moreover, the Blues’ head-to-head record against Liverpool has turned increasingly unfavourable for them; Liverpool has not only dominated recent encounters but is also unbeaten in their last ten meetings, adding another layer to the weekend’s narrative.
As fans look forward to this historic match, the notion of sportsmanship and respect hangs in the air. Will Chelsea embrace the tradition, or will pragmatism win the day? This forthcoming encounter not only serves as a stage for Liverpool’s celebrations but also a potential turning point for Chelsea's season.
What do you think? Should Chelsea honour Liverpool's success, or should they prioritise the competitive nature of the game? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
