Trent Alexander-Arnold faced boos from Liverpool fans at Anfield during their Premier League clash against Arsenal.
The 24-year-old, who has been with Liverpool since joining the academy at six, recently confirmed he would be leaving the club at the end of the season after a long contract dispute. His decision comes amid interest from European champions Real Madrid.
The incident occurred after Alexander-Arnold was substituted in the 67th minute, replacing Conor Bradley. As he entered the pitch, sections of the Anfield crowd greeted the vice-captain with loud jeers, which continued as he touched the ball during the match.
The boos seemed to stem from some fans’ frustration over his decision to leave on a free transfer.
The reaction shocked many, including Liverpool legend Steve Nicol.
“I almost rewound my screen because I couldn’t believe what I was hearing,” Nicol told ESPN FC. “I was absolutely disgusted. I didn’t think that was what Liverpool fans were like. I didn’t think that’s what Liverpool’s history was about.”
“Everybody who returns to Anfield, or has played for Liverpool, should never, in my opinion, ever be booed. I would love to say it was the usual small minority, but unfortunately, it wasn’t. It was too many of them, it almost seemed 50/50.”
He went on to say the level of anger shown was way out of place.
“I don’t quite have the vocabulary without saying the wrong kinds of words to tell you how disgusted I was at the people that were booing him.”
“I was talking last week about Real Madrid, how I thought it was classless what they were doing. Well, this was absolutely classless of the highest order and I did not expect it from Liverpool fans.”
The incident has got many pundits talking, including Jamie Carragher, Rio Ferdinand and others, who all expressed their surprise and disappointment at the reaction.
The crowd’s response has divided opinion. While some believe Trent deserves more respect after years of service, others point to how he’s handled his expected departure. As vice-captain, his silence, gestures during matches, and apparent distance from the club have rubbed fans the wrong way.
