Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Record
Daily Record
World
Alan Johnson & Kaitlin Easton

Fans at Wembley stadium boo Prince William during FA Cup Final

Football fans watching the final of the FA Cup booed Prince William at Wembley stadium as he attended the match between Liverpool and Chelsea.

The Duke of Cambridge, who is President of the FA, was introduced to players from both sides shortly before kick-off but he wasn't welcomed by some fans who jeered him.

While God Save The Queen and the hymn Abide With Me played obscene gestures could be seen amongst the crowd, the Mirror reports.

The behaviour of the fans involved has since sparked fury across the political landscape.

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said: "I utterly condemn any fans who booed Prince William at Wembley today.

Liverpool fans could be heard jeering as RAYE belted out the National Anthem ahead of the FA Cup Final (Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

"The FA Cup final should be an occasion when we come together as a country. It should not be ruined by a minority of fans' totally shameful behaviour. In this year of all years – the Queen's Platinum Jubilee – this is dreadful."

Conservative MP and former Culture Secretary Karen Bradley said: "It is utterly unacceptable and disgraceful that fans booed Prince William. I would urge the FA to take all necessary action and pursue those responsible."

Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Ed Davey also had his say: "We have the most wonderful Monarch and those fans who booed do not represent their clubs or our country."

Liverpool Echo football writer Connor O'Neill, meanwhile, explained why fans of the Anfield club choose to distance themselves from the National Anthem.

"The origins of why the red half of Merseyside boo the national anthem can be traced back to the 1980s," he said.

"The Conservative government's 'managed decline' of the city was then followed by the failings of the government following the Hillsborough disaster further entrenched those feelings.

"A flag regularly spotted at Anfield reads 'scouse not English' and will most likely be on display at most games.

Fans refrained from booing, however, as the Duke of Cambridge dished out winners' medals to Liverpool players after the match (Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

"While in recent years, the people of Merseyside feel they continue to be let down by the state and believe the foodbanks outside Anfield and Goodison (Park, home of Everton FC) is evidence of widening inequalities."

Liverpool emerged victorious, beating Chelsea 6-5 on penalties after extra time. It marked the club's eighth FA Cup triumph, and a first since 2006.

As William handed out winners' medals to the Reds' players afterwards, however, no jeering could be heard.

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.