Trent Alexander-Arnold was booed by some Liverpool fans during Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal, in his first appearance since announcing his departure from the club.
The 26-year-old right-back, widely expected to join Real Madrid, confirmed on Monday that he would leave Liverpool at the end of the season. Making his first appearance in front of the Anfield crowd since the news broke, Alexander-Arnold was met with a chorus of jeers when he came on as a 67th-minute substitute against Arsenal.
Read Also: Alexander-Arnold: Liverpool Career in Numbers
While some supporters applauded and cheered the academy graduate, who has won two Premier League titles and the Champions League with the Reds, audible boos followed his every touch in the second half as Liverpool let a two-goal lead slip.
Slot looks to the future with Bradley
Manager Arne Slot, who had earlier declined to tell fans how to react to the player’s decision, opted to bench Alexander-Arnold, instead starting 21-year-old Conor Bradley.
The Northern Irishman is tipped to be Alexander-Arnold’s long-term replacement and received warm support from the crowd throughout the game.
Robertson: “Not Nice to See a Friend Get Booed”
After the match, Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson spoke candidly about the emotional atmosphere.
“There’s a lot of emotion around it,” 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. I’m extremely proud of him. I love him as a player; I love him as a friend. He will be missed as one of my best friends in the game.”
Liverpool held as Arsenal stage comeback
The match itself ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw, with Arsenal clawing back from a two-goal deficit despite a late red card for Mikel Merino.
The result leaves Liverpool’s title hopes in a delicate balance, while the reaction to Alexander-Arnold’s farewell announcement has cast a shadow over what should have been a moment of celebration for one of their homegrown stars.
