Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher expressed his astonishment at the negative reception Trent Alexander-Arnold received from fans during the match against Arsenal.
Furthermore, the former Reds defender conceded that “most players in that Liverpool dressing room probably want to play for Real Madrid.”
Alexander-Arnold was met with widespread jeers at Anfield when he came on to replace Conor Bradley, and the booing persisted with every touch he made.
The home supporters chanted Bradley`s name, clearly indicating their feelings about Alexander-Arnold`s impending departure, which he had announced earlier that week.
Carragher argued that it was inappropriate for Liverpool fans to boo the right-back, especially considering the significant honours he has won for the club.
Speaking as a pundit on Sky Sports, he highlighted the incident: “That`s the story of the game. That`s what we will be talking about after the game… I`m surprised how many [boos]. For me, I don`t believe any player putting on that red shirt who goes on to win trophies should be being booed.”
“Booing one of your own players while they`re playing is not for me,” he added. “That [booing him] was a step too far. That could`ve been his last performance, which might be the right thing as Liverpool don`t need a circus.”
Carragher suggested an alternative way for fans to show dissatisfaction: “If you are frustrated with Trent, sing Conor Bradley or Steven Gerrard`s name. Don`t boo a player as it opens you up to criticism from supporters up and down the land about Liverpool supporters.”
Despite the harsh treatment, Alexander-Arnold, 26, walked a lap of the pitch at full-time and applauded the supporters. Gary Neville described the reception as “not pleasant.”
The England international had confirmed during the week that he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season upon the expiration of his contract, with Real Madrid widely reported as his destination.
Carragher acknowledged that while fans might find it difficult to hear, many players within the Liverpool squad would likely seize the opportunity to play for Real Madrid if it arose.
He further explained: “I think team-mates in this dressing room would normally rally around most people 99 per cent of the time. Supporters of any football club right now will probably not want to hear this, but most players in that Liverpool dressing room probably want to play for Real Madrid.”
“I`ve been in a dressing room where players left us to go to Barcelona and Real Madrid. It`s really hard for supporters. You almost feel like they fall for it every time, `this player absolutely loves us`. And then they move on and go somewhere else.”
Carragher concluded by stating, “Players don`t think like supporters. A lot of those players in the dressing room will think they`d love to play for Real Madrid.”
Previously, Carragher had stated that the fans` frustration with Alexander-Arnold`s situation was “justified” and “bound to stir emotions,” offering a slightly different perspective on the underlying cause of the reaction.
Marcus Bellamy