Arne Slot’s Trent Alexander-Arnold message, Jamie Carragher shock, team-mates' reactions
Trent Alexander-Arnold was booed by sections of Liverpool fans at Anfield during Sunday's 2-2 draw with Arsenal, prompting discussions over the treatment of the departing full-back
Anfield, traditionally a fortress of unity, has recently become a cauldron of division. Trent Alexander-Arnold, once the shining star of Liverpool's homegrown talent, was booed by some of his own supporters during Sunday's 2-2 clash against Arsenal, marking the fracturing of what was once a cherished bond.
The reason is no secret. Earlier this month, the 26-year-old announced he'd be leaving his boyhood club on a free transfer this summer, with Real Madrid the likely destination. It's a decision that has angered many Reds fans – and even among those more sympathetic, it's left a bitter taste in the mouth.
As Alexander-Arnold stepped onto the pitch in the second half against the Gunners, jeers rang out across Anfield, all while chants supporting young Conor Bradley – viewed as his possible replacement – and legendary captain Steven Gerrard, who famously turned down high-paying offers to stay loyal to Liverpool, echoed around the ground.
The fallout extended well beyond Merseyside. Former players, pundits, and fans took to social media and the airwaves to offer their view, with both condemnation and support of the reaction widespread. To some, the backlash wasn't just over the top – it felt like a deep betrayal of a Liverpool icon as well as the club's 'You'll Never Walk Alone' ethos.
Yet others argued that the negative response was understandable, considering Alexander-Arnold's decision to leave – particularly without a transfer fee for a player who would normally command a significant sum that Liverpool could use to reinvest in the team. Regardless, the drama surely didn't sit too well with manager Arne Slot, who had appealed before the game for calm and civility toward the defender.
"We are all disappointed [that Alexander-Arnold is leaving], but Trent is the first one who said he would prefer us as a team and a club not to be distracted too much by this announcement," the Dutchman said. "I am hoping all the energy on Sunday goes to the players and [as little] as possible to Trent — unless it is positive, then they can do whatever they want.
"As a human being, you can maybe understand that he wants a new challenge because, if he is so many years in the same league, some players then want to experience something else. It's up to every individual himself.
"I'm the type of human being who can understand a lot of arguments. That's not to say I would make the same choice. It was a really difficult decision for him."
When the news of Trent's departure first surfaced, club legend Jamie Carragher passionately defended the fans' right to feel let down – though he later admitted the intensity of the reaction at the weekend stunned him.
"I'm surprised how many [fans booed him]," he said on Sky Sports after the game. "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.
"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."
Still, Carragher faced accusations of "stirring up" emotions by criticising Alexander-Arnold's exit in recent comments. He also lashed out at outsiders for "telling Liverpool fans how to feel" about the situation.
"I'm sick all day of reading about journalists, or people with no affiliation to Liverpool telling Liverpool supporters how to feel," he fumed. "Liverpool as a city and as a football club is very emotional, that's what makes us what we are.
"Trent can do what he wants. It's his career. Fine. Good luck to him. But Liverpool supporters can also feel how they want about the situation."
Carragher wasn't the only former Liverpool star expressing strong opinions. Michael Owen, no stranger to being booed at Anfield himself, voiced sympathy for Alexander-Arnold, who he believes must be "mortified" by the reception.
"For his own people to boo him, it's a big lump in your throat. I remember sitting in the players' lounge after playing against Liverpool for Newcastle. Parents, myself, all in floods of tears because I'd just been booed by my own people," Owen recalled.
"And I struggle to comprehend it nowadays, and I'm probably the closest person on the planet who knows what it feels like to be in Trent's shoes. He'll be mortified."
He went on: "Trent will leave now, it's his second to last game, maybe his last game, there were people that booed him and you can't get that out of your head. Despite what's happened for the last 20 years of his life of pure adulation.
"The one thing I remember now is I forget a lot but think they booed me at the end and it just makes you feel absolutely sick for what you did for the club."
Owen, who left Liverpool for Real Madrid – just as Alexander-Arnold is expected to – back in 2004, came back to the Premier League the following year. Though he long maintained he wanted a Liverpool return, no offer arrived, so he chose Newcastle United instead.
Despite his status as a homegrown star and Ballon d'Or winner with 158 goals for the Reds, he too was met with hostility upon returning – boos that only worsened after his controversial move to Manchester United in 2009.
Andy Robertson, who called Alexander-Arnold his "best mate" in football, spoke out after the draw with Arsenal. "It's an emotional decision," said the Scotland captain.
"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 a friend get booed, it wasn't nice. But as I said, we can't tell people how to act."
He wasn't alone in his dismay within the Liverpool camp. According to the Daily Mail, Dominik Szoboszlai asked fans in the Kop to stop booing when Alexander-Arnold went to applaud them after the final whistle. Team-mate Cody Gakpo was also seen gesturing toward the stands, seemingly asking, 'Why?'
Nonetheless, Alexander-Arnold completed a lap of honour, clapping the supporters despite the jeers and tension. Still, the moment – meant to be celebratory – was clouded by resentment.
There's still one last home fixture to play, meaning Liverpool fans have a chance to change the narrative. A fitting farewell is still possible – but after Sunday's reception, it doesn't seem all that likely.