Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold received a stark reaction from the Anfield crowd during his appearance against Arsenal, being met with loud boos upon entering the game as a substitute.
The unexpected dissent follows the defender`s confirmation earlier this week that he will leave the club at the conclusion of the current season, when his contract expires.
Introduced in the 66th minute, the substitution prompted sections of the crowd to sing the name of former club legend Steven Gerrard, who famously remained loyal to Liverpool despite offers from elsewhere. Chants also emerged in support of Conor Bradley, the player Alexander-Arnold replaced.
Alexander-Arnold visibly covered his mouth upon entering the pitch, and the boos persisted each time he touched the ball. Adding to the difficult moment, he was involved in Arsenal`s equaliser shortly after, playing Mikel Merino onside for a header after Martin Odegaard hit the post. The right-back appeared downcast during the post-match lap of honour, where some fans continued to voice their displeasure.
Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville commented on the atmosphere, stating, “Wow. That is not pleasant for him.”
Liverpool teammate Andy Robertson defended Alexander-Arnold after the match. “I`m disappointed to lose my best mate in the game, We`ve done it all together,” Robertson said. He praised Alexander-Arnold as “an amazing player” who pushed him to higher levels. Robertson acknowledged the difficulty of witnessing the boos but added, “we can`t tell people how to act.”
The 26-year-old player had bid farewell to fans through an emotional video this week. He is reportedly close to joining Real Madrid on a free transfer, a move that has evidently angered many Liverpool supporters, leading to reports of him being banned from certain venues in Liverpool.
Real Madrid are said to have opened negotiations for an early transfer ahead of the Club World Cup, reportedly offering Liverpool £1 million, though Liverpool may seek more despite Alexander-Arnold`s significant weekly wages until his contract ends.
Club legend Jamie Carragher has expressed his view that the fan anger regarding Alexander-Arnold`s departure is “justified.” He argued that Liverpool aims to win major titles like the Premier League and Champions League, and losing a key player undermines this goal. Carragher compared this reaction to the competitive attitude seen at other top European clubs, stating that Alexander-Arnold leaving makes it harder for Liverpool to achieve future success, which naturally stirs emotions among fans.
Marcus Bellamy