Days after announcing his exit from Liverpool, Trent Alexander-Arnold made his first appearance for his boyhood club as a substitute against Arsenal and he was booed by several of his own fans.
While a number of Liverpool fans were heard applauding the England international, others chose not to and made their bitter feelings known to the Real Madrid-bound right-back.
Alexander-Arnold decided to exit Liverpool in March and since then, he must have been preparing for the moment when some of his own fans could turn on him.
But even so, the 26-year-old would understandably have been disappointed after hearing loud boos after he replaced Conor Bradley against Arsenal.
Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer chimed on their feelings about Trent Alexander-Arnold getting booed by a section of Liverpool fans on Sunday.
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Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer disagree with Liverpool fans booing Trent Alexander-Arnold
Recently, Arne Slot lauded Alexander-Arnold’s commitment to Liverpool and for the most part, his cameo against Arsenal was bright despite playing under testing circumstances.
However, the Champions League winner did play Mikel Merino onside for his equalising goal, which may suggest that he was having a hard time.
Gary Lineker admitted on the Rest Is Football podcast that he was not a fan of Liverpool fans booing Alexander-Arnold against Arsenal: “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 occassion and it wasn’t all the fans obviously, I just found that a bit disappointing.”
Alan Shearer seconded Gary Lineker’s thoughts about Alexander-Arnold getting booed at Anfield, adding: “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.”
What Andy Robertson said about Liverpool fans booing Trent Alexander-Arnold
Perhaps several fans and pundits alike would agree with Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer, considering how much Alexander-Arnold has accomplished in a Liverpool shirt.
Andy Robertson told Sky Sports initially that it would be unwise for him to advise Liverpool fans on how to feel about one of their greatest academy graduates departing the club.
However, Robertson admitted that he did not like hearing Alexander-Arnold getting booed: “Of course, it’s an emotional decision and for Trent, it’s not been an easy one; of course it’s not, but he’s made the decision.”
“It’s not nice to see your friend get booed. It wasn’t nice but, like I said, we can’t tell people how to act. I can tell you how I feel about it – I’m extremely proud of him and what he’s done for this club. I love him as a friend, I love him as a player, and he’ll be missed as one of my best friends in the game.”
