Trent Alexander-Arnold found himself the target of boos and jeers as Liverpool drew 2-2 with Arsenal. It was his first Anfield match since confirming he will leave his boyhood club at the end of the season, with a free transfer to Real Madrid anticipated.

Alexander-Arnold was not named in the starting XI to begin with, as head coach Arne Slot had alluded to beforehand. So it began with Liverpool stadium announcer Peter McDowall reading out the full-back's name amongst the substitutes before kick-off, which was met by some cheers and a smattering of boos.

Conor Bradley, coming back from injury, was taken off in the 67th minute and allowed for the departing No.66's introduction. Much to former Manchester United captain Gary Neville's surprise, more jeers were directed Alexander-Arnold's way.

Around the substitution fans sang for their admiration of both Steven Gerrard and Bradley, then unflatteringly towards Real Madrid.

The 26-year-old's trailing leg kept Mikel Merino onside before the Spaniard was able to make it 2-2 in the 70th minute, which may not have helped Alexander-Anrnold's case, but he later almost scored a free-kick in front of The Kop resulting from the Arsenal player's sending off.

At full-time club legend Jamie Carragher expressed disagreement with boos directed at Alexander-Arnold, saying: "That's the story of the game, everyone will be talking about it, it'll be on every back page tomorrow.

"I'm surprised how many. In a crowd of 60,000, there's no doubt there will be a lot of unhappy people with the situation, that's understandable," he said.

"Away at Leicester there was a few boos there but I don't believe any player putting on that red shirt, trying to get three points or win a trophy should be booed.

"I understand there's a lot of ill-feeling, I get that, some people outside of Liverpool can't grasp that, I do but booing one of your own players is not for me."

In light of the situation as Alexander-Arnold prepares to leave the club, ECHO writers have their say over whether the reaction of Liverpool supporters was justified.

Richard Garnett

Having rocked up at Anfield every other week for over 30 years, I can count on one hand the number of times I've heard a Liverpool player or ex-player booed. So Sunday's demonstration of discontent was a bit of a culture shock. Booing your own players is not for me. I preferred the position of just remaining silent. Thanks for your service, see you later.

But the message is clear. It's over for Trent. He surely cannot play another minute for the club, barring injury to Conor Bradley and even then it is a risk. Arne Slot hasn't made many mistakes at Anfield in his first season but bringing Alexander-Arnold on against Arsenal was one of them. It turned the contest into a circus and Liverpool lost their way as a consequence.

Perhaps the Dutchman wanted to satisfy his own curiosity? He certainly got his answer.

Keifer MacDonald

I can't see a situation where Trent Alexander-Arnold can play for Liverpool again after Anfield's reaction to his substitution on Sunday afternoon. The final weeks of the season should be about celebrating the Premier League title success and, sadly, his involvement compromises that.

Whether he deserves to be booed or not is for each paying supporter inside Anfield to interpret. After all, football is a game of emotion and supporters are, as Arne Slot said, well within their rights to voice their opinions.

But whether the reaction to Alexander-Arnold's appearance was justified or not is a question that will continue to divide a fan base, given the unprecedented nature of the situation.

James Quinlan

Emotions become heightened in football and there was bound to be an outpouring of disapproval from Liverpool supporters inside Anfield. Did Alexander-Arnold deserve it? Yes.

Everything that he has said in the past about hoping for a glorious future captaining his boyhood club has amounted to nothing in what has been a drawn-out contract saga.

Steven Gerrard would have killed to not only win the trophies Alexander-Arnold has won with Liverpool in his career so far, but be in the position this club finds themselves in now. There is a genuine chance to become the dominant force in English football and for me he's trading that in for an easy career in Spain.

Alexander-Arnold must think again if he is expecting the same fairytale send-off as Jurgen Klopp, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane of recent years.

Matthew Abbott

Fans are well within their rights to boo players for a multitude of reasons, including choosing to leave their club. However, the pantomime jeers for Trent Alexander-Arnold at Anfield did not sit well with me.

I could understand the mixed reaction upon his introduction, but the Raheem Sterling-esque booing when he touched the ball was hugely uncomfortable. It certainly affected Liverpool's performance, and in turn, the result.

Isaac Seelochan

Perhaps the circumstances behind his departure could have been handled better. There is also an argument that Real Madrid's European rivalry with Liverpool makes his decision to join them hard to swallow.

But I don't think that anyone should be booing their own players. Trent is only leaving to pursue a new challenge, after all.

Yes, leaving on a free transfer is not ideal, but make no mistake: deciding to leave your boyhood club is a tough and emotional decision. You can disagree with his thought process behind leaving, but booing him during a match is not the answer. It's not as if Liverpool won't be successful without him!

Matty Hewitt

Had Alexander-Arnold not previously given the impression that he wanted a long-lasting career in the Liverpool first team, then the reaction to his departure would surely have been different. From having declared aspirations to become the club's next captain, to being on the brink of joining Real Madrid, his decision has left fans feeling short-changed.

For me, there's nothing wrong with him wanting a new start, a different chapter in his career having won it all with Liverpool.

What doesn't sit well, is the boos. Booing a player who is still at the Reds, still pulling on the shirt and representing his boyhood club, is a step too far, I feel.

Jake Stokes

I understand why Liverpool supporters booed Alexander-Arnold. They have every right to feel aggrieved by the situation. But, I couldn't help but feel bad for him when he was heckled.

In the moment, it felt wrong. But, ultimately, it was self-induced. I think what has annoyed Liverpool fans is that he sent mixed messages. While Alexander-Arnold orchestrated a free transfer behind the scenes, supporters believed he was remaining on course to become the club's next captain.

At the end of the day, leaving your boyhood club on a free transfer is a big call. If Alexander-Arnold has a problem with the booing, I can't imagine how he'll manage at the Santiago Bernabeu when his corner doesn't beat the first man...