Liverpool have hit out at sections of their fanbase following reports that ‘homophobic chanting’ was directed at Chelsea loanee Billy Gilmour during their 3-0 win at Norwich on Saturday.

The club reacted to a tweet posted by one of the club’s fan groups, ‘Kop Outs’, that represents the LGBT+ community, who reported abuse aimed at the Scotland midfielder.

Kop Outs posted: ‘Great result today marred by homophobic chanting by some of our fans targeting Chelsea loanee Billy Gilmour. If you can’t support without resorting to bigoted nonsense, you don’t understand YNWA [You’ll Never Walk Alone].’

The fan group posted the message having quoted a 2019 tweet from another equality organisation, ‘Kick It Out’, in reference to a ‘rent boy’ chant – which according to them has long been targeted at the west London club.

After the match, Liverpool referred to Kop Outs’ tweet with a statement on the social media platform.

The club said: ‘The chant is offensive and inappropriate – a message we have repeatedly communicated alongside Kop Outs.

‘We urge supporters to remember the inclusive values of the club and to refrain from using it in the future.’

Liverpool Supporters Union Spirit of Shankly tweeted in response to the news later on Saturday night: ‘Solidarity with our LGBT+ supporters & affiliates!’