Thai police have issued a stern warning to Liverpool fans in Thailand, urging them to stay vigilant against online scammers impersonating Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso, a frontrunner to replace Jurgen Klopp at Anfield in the summer.
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) identified a viral message circulating online, claiming to show Alonso’s Instagram account requesting donations of 300 baht (around $8.50) to cover his flight to Liverpool.
“‘I will be in charge of Liverpool next season, but I need 300 baht for my flight to Liverpool,’ reads the deceptive message, written in Thai.”
The police confirmed the message was a fabrication, using a manipulated version of Alonso’s official Instagram account to deceive fans. They stressed that Alonso has not yet been appointed Liverpool manager and urged supporters to remain calm and avoid falling prey to the scam.
The former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder, a fan favourite at Anfield, is among the top contenders to replace Klopp, who announced his shock departure at the end of the season.
Liverpool boasts a massive fanbase in Thailand, with red shirts and club crests adorning everything from streets to taxis and shops.
However, the police specifically targeted their warning to online spaces, urging supporters to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of any messages claiming to be from Alonso or the club.
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