Just days after confirming he will leave Liverpool, Trent Alexander-Arnold made his first appearance since the announcement, coming off the bench in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal at Anfield.
But instead of a warm welcome, he was met with a mix of applause and boos from the home crowd. While some Liverpool supporters clapped for the right-back, others showed their frustration, voicing it loudly as the 26-year-old entered the pitch in place of Conor Bradley.
The England international, who is reportedly set to join Real Madrid, would have been expecting some backlash, but the reaction still came as a blow.
Despite playing under pressure, Alexander-Arnold put in a lively performance, though he was involved in the move that led to Mikel Merino’s equaliser, playing him onside.
Trent’s future may lie away from Anfield, but his commitment to the club has remained clear. His efforts this season were crucial as Liverpool, under Arne Slot, lifted their 20th league title, a campaign that reaffirmed his legacy as one of the club’s greats.
However, the negative reaction from some fans became a big talking point, with Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer both expressing their disappointment on The Rest Is Football podcast.
Lineker said:
“When Trent Alexander-Arnold came on as sub, there were a lot of boos. A lot of boos. It grated on me, I didn’t like that, after what he’s done, he’s a local lad, he’s come through the ranks, he’s given everything, he’s won everything for that club. I understand that they’ve got the hump that they’re losing one of the best players and they all talk about the fact that he’s going for a free but footballers are not pieces of meat anyway.”
“So, I never quite understand that, it’s Real Madrid, it’s his life, it’s his career, they’re incredible fans obviously, Liverpool, but on that occasion, and it wasn’t all the fans obviously, I just found that a bit disappointing.”
Alan Shearer backed those comments, saying:
“I don’t like that, I don’t like fans booing players. After what he’s done for Liverpool and I understand it might only be a minority because I’m like you [Gary Lineker], like everyone else, I totally respect and admire the Liverpool fans because of who and what they are and they’re a great football club.”
“But whoever they were who were booing him, come on man! I mean, really? Is it that bad that they have to boo someone from their own area? Their area who’s chosen to do what he wants to do who after doing what he’s done for Liverpool, not a good look me and I know it’s only a small minority but just like come on, really? Not good.”
