Liverpool fans once again booed the national anthem ahead of the Reds’ FA Cup final with Chelsea at Wembley.
In keeping with tradition, ‘God Save The Queen’ was sung before kick-off at the national stadium alongside 'Abide With Me' but Reds’ fans in attendance booed both tunes. This, however, is something Liverpool fans have done for years.
Both anthems were roundly booed by large swaths of the Liverpool supporters, having also done the same ahead of the Carabao Cup final earlier this season against the same opponents - the Reds eventually running out victors via a dramatic penalty shootout back in February.
Some will certainly be questioning why Reds’ fans hold such disdain for the tune but it appears that the booing can be traced back to the 1980s. Severe opposition to the Conservative government at the time, as well as the fallout following the Hillsborough tragedy, drove a wedge between the city and the rest of the country.
Those on Merseyside also feel like the current Government continue to bat-aside their welfare, with foodbanks outside of both Anfield and Goodison a regular feature. In fact, Liverpool supporters have further displayed their disdain for patriotism with a sign reading ‘Scouse Not English’ regularly seen at the home of Jurgen Klopp ’s men.
The German himself has previously given his thoughts on the booing, with supporters having done the same before the 2019 Community Shield against Manchester City. He said: "I don’t think I'm the right person (to ask), I know a bit about the history but it’s not for me to judge.
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"I know the Liverpool supporters are respectful. If they give that sign the reason might be a bit in the past. But I've nothing else to say about that."
Whilst the booing before the game was contentious, it did not appear to have affected the side’s preparations for the clash with Chelsea. The Reds started at a terrific pace, with Luis Diaz in particular causing a number of problems for the Blues and forcing Edouard Mendy into a handful of saves.
Thomas Tuchel’s troops eventually managed to get a foothold at Wembley though, with the Reds having been struck down by a couple of injury issues. Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson required a period of treatment following a heavy collision with Marcos Alonso, whilst star forward Mohamed Salah was then forced off in the first period to be replaced by Diogo Jota.
Regardless of the result at Wembley, Liverpool have yet another opportunity to lift some silverware at the end of the campaign with their upcoming Champions League final with Real Madrid. Klopp will hope that he can call-upon the stricken Salah, with the Egyptian having been withdrawn the last time the two sides came together.
