Former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol has said he was “disgusted” by Liverpool fans’ decision to boo Trent Alexander-Arnold in Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal, labelling fans’ actions as “classless”.
The 26-year-old, who confirmed last week that he is set to leave his boyhood club at the end of the season, came on to replace Conor Bradley in the second half. Supporters booed him as he entered the pitch and when he made his first few touches of the ball, although that died out as the game continued.
Fans also chose to chant Bradley’s name, and Steven Gerrard, who has drawn comparisons with Alexander-Arnold in the last week given he rejected the chance to leave his boyhood club during his career.
Nicol, Liverpool’s right-back between 1981 and 1994, said he was appalled by the scenes at Anfield, with Alexander-Arnold deserving of a more fitting sendoff.
“I almost rewound my screen because I couldn’t believe what I was hearing,” Nicol told ESPN. “I was absolutely disgusted. I did not 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. There was half of them clapping and half of them booing.
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“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,” he continued.
“This guy has given everything for Liverpool, on and off the field and because has has decided to try something else, that doesn’t give you the right to boo 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. I’m shocked and disgusted.”
Arne Slot was asked post-match whether Alexander-Arnold’s introduction was a distraction for the team, a particularly pertinent point given the Reds have two more games to play this season. Nicol hopes there’s a change in response from fans ahead of the season finale against Crystal Palace on May 25.
“I think the good to come from this, and it might happen, is that Liverpool have another home game which will be his last game at Anfield.
“He will play; Arne Slot would be wrong not to play him. I’m hoping that between now and that game that the local newspapers, the local media all get behind Trent Alexander-Arnold and tell all these people that were booing: ‘If you’re going to do that again, please don’t show up’.
“Give somebody else your ticket who is going to applaud and give Trent Alexander-Arnold the reception that he deserves for what he has done for this football club. I’m hoping that’s what happens.”
