Liverpool fans showered the Anfield pitch with boos as the national anthem played ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Brentford. As expected, the league-wide gesture to mark King Charles III’s coronation this weekend was received poorly by those in attendance on Merseyside.
Earlier this week, Liverpool confirmed they would play the national anthem “in recognition of the Premier League’s request.”
But the club added: “It is, of course, a personal choice how those at Anfield on Saturday mark this occasion, and we know some supporters have strong views on it.”
Those fans shared their views in emphatic style at Anfield on Saturday, drowning the national anthem out with boos just hours after King Charles’ coronation at Westminister Abbey.
Chants of “Liverpool” could also be heard before the Kop led a passionate rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ ahead of kick-off.
The home crowd were expected to receive the gesture poorly after booing ‘Abide With Me’ and ‘God Save the Queen’ before last season’s FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.
Liverpool supporters booing the national anthem has been a common theme throughout history.
Some of the club’s fans have often cited a disconnect sparked by the post-Hillsborough disaster cover-up as the reason for their hostilities toward the royal family.
News of government plans under the leadership of Margaret Thatcher to leave Liverpool to ‘managed decline’ in the 1980s after the Toxteth riots also contributed to the poor relationship.
Liverpool’s following also made their ill feeling towards the royals clear at last season’s Carabao Cup final and the 2012 FA Cup final.
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