Liverpool fans produced a respectful moment after some stayed behind to clap celebrating Atalanta players off the Anfield turf on Thursday evening.

Many Reds supporters departed the ground immediately after full-time once Liverpool's 3-0 Europa League defeat against the Italian side was confirmed.

However, some remained in their seats to watch Atalanta players celebrate with their travelling fans who were in full voice after inflicting a first home defeat on Jurgen Klopp's side in 14 months.

Joyous Atalanta stars were celebrating emphatically with their fans who were delighted after their stunning win in a scene largely reflective of Klopp's typical after-match celebrations.

Once they had finished applauding their supporters, visiting players walked towards the tunnel leading back to the dressing room and were surprisingly clapped off the pitch by Liverpool fans that had stayed behind.

Liverpool fans showed their respect for opposition players after Thursday's Europa League defeat against Atalanta

Respectful fans speckled around the Anfield grandstand had clearly been left impressed by Atalanta's emphatic attacking performance and wanted to show their respects.

Atalanta players appeared momentarily taken back by the unusual show of support as they departed the pitch with a spring in their step ahead of next week's second-leg finale.

Liverpool fans similarly praised the show of respect online afterwards by taking to X where one supporter stated: 'No quarrels about that result. 1. Liverpool got outplayed all over the pitch 2. Klopp got embarrassed tactically 3. Atalanta deserve the win and to be applauded off by both sets of fans at the end. Roll on the second leg.'

Another similarly added: 'Liverpool fans showed class!! Atalanta players being applauded off by the home fans.'

Others echoed similar sentiments by adding: 'Not surprised Atalanta players were applauded by the home fans. Really deserved win.'

Some fans were critical of Liverpool's disastrous performance but hailed Atalanta's impressive dominance, stating: 'A shambolic performance tonight at Anfield. And as much as I dislike Italian clubs, mainly due to their fans, Atalanta were outstanding & deservedly won, great game plan by their manager Gasperini. 

'The wiley old fox outwitted Klopp tonight with ease. Credit to them.'

Liverpool face the likely prospect of being eliminated from the competition next week trailing 3-0 on aggregate unless they can overturn the deficit in Italy.