Trent Alexander-Arnold appeared at Anfield for the first time since announcing his departure from Liverpool and its fair to say that fans did not have a particularly warm welcome for the defender
Jamie Carragher admitted he was “surprised” at how many Liverpool fans booed Trent Alexander-Arnold before revealing he understood the reaction. The Reds’ academy graduate was subjected to a particularly angry reaction from supporters on Sunday.
He was initially named on the bench for the weekend’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal in favour of fellow academy graduate Conor Bradley. He was roundly booed by fans as he prepared to be introduced as a substitute – something that continued every time the defender touched the ball.
Asked for his thoughts after the game, ex-Liverpool star Carragher claimed he was shocked at the amount of fans booing, suggesting he did not agree with it. But he did however suggest that he had understanding with the fans who weren’t happy with Alexander-Arnold’s decision.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher said: “That’s the story of the game [the boos]. That’s what we will be talking about after the game, and the back pages of every newspaper tomorrow.
“I’m surprised how many. When you’re in a crowd of 60,000, there’s no doubt there’s a lot of unhappy people at Liverpool about the situation. And I’ve said that’s understandable.
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“But for me, I said it before the show and said the same away at Leicester where there were a few boos in the away section, I don’t believe any player putting on that red shirt on going out there to get them three points or winning titles who goes on to win trophies should be being booed.
“I understand, there’s a lot of ill-feeling. And some people outside of Liverpool won’t be able to understand that. I do. Booing one of your own players while they’re playing is not for me.”
He added: “I think like me, the manager will be shocked at how vociferous it was. I think you can expect frustration but I think the best thing Liverpool supporters can do if Trent Alexander-Arnold does play another game for Liverpool which I think that is up in the air. That might be his last performance.
“And that might actually be the right thing. Liverpool don’t need a circus between now and the end of the season because this is the story of the game now. If you’re frustrated with Trent, sign Conor Bradley’s name, sing Steven Gerrard’s name.”
Sky Sports colleague Gary Neville also gave his verdict on the reaction from the Anfield crowd. And he also admitted his surprise. Speaking on commentary, he said: “I wasn’t expecting Alexander-Arnold to be booed as much as he has.”
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Alexander-Arnold will certainly be hoping for a far better reaction as he closes his Liverpool career over the coming weeks. The Reds’ penultimate game of the season comes against Brighton next Monday.
His final game for the club will come against Crystal Palace at Anfield on the final day of the campaign – a game in which he will get the chance to lift the Premier League trophy.
Alexander-Arnold has not yet confirmed where his future lies but it is widely expected that he will pen a blockbuster contract with Spanish giants Real Madrid.
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