Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has promised Liverpool a guard of honour when the two sides meet in the Premier League at the Etihad stadium on Thursday.
City’s two-year reign as champions of England came to an end last Thursday when they suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, confirming Liverpool as the new kings of the land.
The guard of honour is seen as a show of respect and sportsmanship but Murphy is not so enthused about the gesture as it would have been difficult for him to take part if he were a player.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Murphy said: “It’s a perception of respect, ‘the right thing to do’, the message you’re trying to send to the football world that when somebody wins, that you show respect and grace.
“The fact City will be doing it on Thursday will show humility, saying ‘well done’ to Liverpool and appreciation for their quality.
“I think it’s a load of nonsense!
“I don’t know where it started and why it started, I would feel uncomfortable doing it.
“I’d do it because you have to do it, but I wouldn’t want to do it, because it’s not done with sincerity.
“If I was a Liverpool player and United won the league, you know they’re better than you, you respect that and you’re trying your best to be like them, so they know you respect them.
“The fans don’t want you to do it, the players don’t really want to do it, it’s all for effect and it doesn’t mean anything.
“Kevin De Bruyne is the best midfielder, probably, in the world, and he’s clapping his hands and giving a guard of honour to players who can’t even lace his boots!
“And if I’d won it, by the way, if I was walking through, I’d feel awkward. I’d feel uncomfortable.
“I understand why the powers that be created it, because it does give off the right message to those watching.
“But I don’t see the point.”
