Liverpool fans have offered their wholehearted support for manager Rafa Benitez following the public row with owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett. Many fans are unhappy that the saga has been played out so publicly by both parties, but there is a strong feeling that the departure of Benitez would be a huge step backwards for the club and end any relationship with the new owners and the fans.

Benitez has built an impressive squad at Anfield and has the crowd’s support, with an online petition having already broken the 10,000 signatures mark in just one day, and the Reclaim The Kop campaign having organised a demo in support of the manager prior to Wednesday’s crucial clash with Porto.

The RTK released the following show of support;

We are calling on all supporters of Liverpool FC to demonstrate their unconditional support of the Rafael Beneitz this Wednesday. Rafa is far and away the most important figure at Anfield - bar none. Under his guidance the club has appeared in 2 European Cup finals in the little over 3 years that he has been manager. We currently stand well placed in the title race and remain undefeated.

Rafael Benitez also needs the full support of his employers. It is Rafa’s job not only to train and coach the players, but also to be proactive and decisive in acquiring new ones. Bill Shankly turned down the Liverpool job in the early 1950s because he was told it would not be his job to sign new players. It was only when he was promised a free reign in the selection of his squad that he agreed to become manager of Liverpool FC. Rafael Benitez deserves similar support from our current owners.

If you want to pledge your support publicly for Rafa Benitez then join us on Wednesday evening at 6:30pm, outside the Sandon pub on Oakfield Road, close to The Kop. If you have any Rafa flags and banners then please bring them along. We then urge you to continue your support of Rafa during this crucial European Cup game by singing and chanting his name . We call on all Liverpool supporters to unite and publicly display their devotion to our manager.

Rafa needs us, and we owe him every ounce of love and support that we can possibly muster.

Remember: Liverpool Football Club exists not to make money - it exists to win trophies and be a source of pride for it’s supporters. It serves no other purpose.

Hala Rafa!

.