Liverpool fans boo 'God Save the King' national anthem as reasons explained

Wales Online

2 days ago

Liverpool fans boo 'God Save the King' national anthem as reasons explained
Liverpool supporters are expected to boo the national anthem ahead of the Community Shield against Crystal Palace - but why do Reds fans feel so strongly about it?
Liverpool fans at Wembley
(Image: 2025 CameraSport)
Liverpool are set to face Crystal Palace in the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday. The Reds, under the leadership of Arne Slot, are aiming for their second trophy of his tenure after storming to the Premier League title last season.
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A sea of Liverpool fans will be descending on London for the match, and it's anticipated that they'll express their disapproval during the national anthem. 'God Save the King', traditionally played before domestic finals at Wembley, is often met with boos from the Reds' supporters.
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There are several reasons why fans – and indeed many Liverpudlians – choose not to align themselves with the English anthem. The roots of this sentiment among Liverpool's red contingent can be traced back to the 1980s.
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The city's 'managed decline' by the Conservative government, followed by the government's shortcomings in the aftermath of the Hillsborough disaster, deepened these feelings. A banner frequently seen at Anfield reads 'Scouse not English', and is likely to be displayed at most matches.
In recent times, Merseysiders feel they continue to be failed by the state, pointing to the foodbanks outside Anfield as evidence of growing inequality, reports the Liverpool Echo.
The strained relationship between city and country is also reflected in the English national team, with many Liverpudlians choosing not to support England during major tournaments such as the European Championships or the World Cup.
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Liverpool FC found themselves in a difficult position after deciding to play the national anthem before their home match against Brentford to commemorate the King's coronation, despite significant opposition from some fans.
The Premier League had contacted clubs to "strongly suggest" that the anthem be played prior to matches that weekend. Liverpool knew that the intensity of sentiment on this issue had placed them in a challenging situation, with Anfield spectators having individual discretion over how they acknowledged the coronation and responded to the anthem being played.
As anticipated, the anthem was met with boos from large sections of the stadium.
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The match comes as Liverpool striker Mo Salah makes headlines for calling out UEFA for not saying how a footballer known as the 'Palestinian Pele' died in its tribute to him.
Mohamed Salah
(Image:)
The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) said on Wednesday that Suleiman Al-Obeid, 41, died in an Israeli attack in Gaza.
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UEFA wrote on X that he was 'a talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times'.
Responding on Saturday, Egyptian star Salah wrote: 'Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?'
Among those who praised his response was former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who replied: 'Well said Mo!'
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Salah, 33, who has more than 19 million X followers, previously called for the massacres in the conflict to stop and for aid to be allowed into Gaza.
In a video posted on Instagram in October 2023, he said: 'It is not always easy to speak in times like this. There has been too much violence and too much heartbreak and brutality.
'The escalations in the recent weeks is unbearable to witness. All lives are sacred and must be protected. The massacres need to stop. Families are being torn apart.'
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The PFA said that Al-Obeid, who was married with two sons and three daughters, made 24 appearances for the national team, scoring twice.
He was nicknamed the 'Palestinian Pele', the PFA said.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has been approached for comment.