Latest news with #GodSavetheKing
Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Politics
- Irish Daily Mirror
Liverpool fans' reason for booing 'God Save the King' English anthem explained
Liverpool are gearing up to take on Crystal Palace in the Community Shield at Wembley Stadium this Sunday. Under the leadership of Arne Slot, the Reds are eyeing their second piece of silverware of his tenure already, after lifting the Premier League trophy last season at the end of a dominant first campaign in England. A sea of Liverpool supporters is set to take to northwest London for the match. And it's expected that they will voice their disapproval during the national anthem. 'God Save the King', traditionally sung before domestic finals at Wembley, often receives a chorus of boos from the Reds faithful. There are several reasons why fans - and indeed many Liverpudlians - choose not to associate themselves with the English anthem. The origins of this sentiment among Liverpool's red contingent can be traced back to the 1980s. The city's 'managed decline' by the Conservative government, coupled with the government's failings in the wake of the Hillsborough disaster, intensified these feelings. A banner often spotted at Anfield even reads 'Scouse not English'. In recent times, Merseysiders feel they continue to be let down by the state, pointing to the foodbanks outside Anfield as proof of growing inequality, according to the Liverpool Echo. The tense relationship between city and country is also mirrored in the English national team, with many Liverpudlians choosing not to back England during major tournaments such as the European Championships or the World Cup. Liverpool found themselves in a tough position in 2023 after opting to play the national anthem before their home fixture against Brentford to mark the King's coronation, despite considerable resistance from sections of supporters. The Premier League had approached clubs to "strongly suggest" that the anthem be played ahead of fixtures that weekend. Liverpool knew that the intensity of sentiment on this issue had placed them in a difficult situation, with Anfield spectators having individual discretion over how they acknowledged the coronation and responded to the anthem being played. As expected, the anthem was met with boos from large sections of the ground. Sunday's fixture comes just as Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah made headlines for calling out UEFA over not explaining how a footballer dubbed the "Palestinian Pele" died in its tribute to him. Mohamed Salah took issue with UEFA's post on Saturday (Image:) The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) said on Wednesday that Suleiman Al-Obeid, 41, died in an Israeli attack in Gaza. UEFA posted 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 posted: "Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?" Among those who appreciated his response was former UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who replied: "Well said, Mo!" 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 an Instagram video posted 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." 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 fondly known as the "Palestinian Pele", according to the PFA. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has been approached for comment.
Wales Online
a day ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Liverpool fans boo 'God Save the King' national anthem as reasons explained
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. 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. 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. 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. Article continues below 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. 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. 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!' 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.' Article continues below 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.
South Wales Guardian
5 days ago
- General
- South Wales Guardian
King visits Scotland's main RAF base and thanks families for their sacrifices
Charles visited RAF Lossiemouth in Moray, northern Scotland, on Wednesday, to attend the stand-up parade for Number 42 (Torpedo Bomber) Squadron. He also watched a flypast of two Typhoon bombers and a P-8A Poseidon aircraft, one of nine stationed at the only RAF main operating base in Scotland. RAF Lossiemouth is one of two quick reaction alert stations which protect the UK airspace, and the King met families including those of servicepeople based in Cyprus and Poland, where they are defending Nato's eastern borders. The King watched a parade including a brass band which played God Save the King twice, and gave a speech where he acknowledged the proximity of VJ Day on August 15 and thanked families for their 'encouragement and understanding' which he said was critical to the success of the air force. He said: 'With just a week until VJ Day, it is a fitting moment to recall that your aviators flew throughout the Burma Campaign in their Blenheim Bombers and Republic Thunderbolts.' Bagpipers greeted Charles as he arrived by helicopter for a private meeting with RAF leaders, and he watched a parade and re-presented a squadron standard which had previously been blessed by a vicar who prayed for the military and their families as well as the monarch. The King said: 'Today, we also recognise the vital role played by your families and friends, some of whom I am delighted to see can join us today. Their unwavering support is the foundation upon which this squadron's success is built. 'It is their encouragement and understanding that enable you all to dedicate yourselves so fully to your duties. 'On behalf of the nation, I can only offer all the families my heartfelt thanks for the sacrifices you make and the strength you provide.' He praised the 'dedication, skill and professionalism' of staff, and added: 'The squadron's work not only ensures the operational readiness of the Royal Air Force, but also strengthens our bonds with our Nato partners whom you train, including Canada and Norway. 'By providing world-leading training to our allies, you contribute to a shared commitment to peace, security and co-operation across the globe.' He also acknowledged his own links to the region, and said RAF Lossiemouth is 'the beating heart of the United Kingdom's long-range maritime patrol aircraft capability, and an air station at the end of whose runway my old school, Gordonstoun, is situated'. He continued: 'In the 1960s, it was the Royal Navy's Buccaneer aircraft that took off and landed over us and, as part of the Cadet Corps, we regularly used to train or be trained by personnel on the station.' The King was given a tour of the squadron buildings and the Poseidon hangar, which houses nine P-8A Poseidon maritime reconnaissance aircrafts which are equipped with weapons systems for anti-submarine warfare as well as surveillance and search and rescue missions. Charles was given a tour of one multi-role maritime patrol aircraft and met the crew, who showed him cutting-edge technology to detect, identify and monitor targets, which will be rolled out to Norway, Canada and Germany later this year. He toured the plane which has a wingspan of 123ft, is 129ft in length and stands 42ft 9in tall and can carry sonobuoys to search for enemy submarines and can be armed with torpedoes if required. The King met members from the Typhoon air wing, senior leadership and representatives from the wider community, including children from the Airplay Youth support programme and their families, who live on, or near, RAF Lossiemouth. He also met representatives from community projects including support for families of deployed service personnel, and a community group which is planting Christmas trees in sand dunes at Lossiemouth Beach. A little girl presented the King with a bunch of handpicked flowers and he was given a glass holder made from timber from an old bridge on Lossiemouth beach. Schoolchildren waved Union flags as they met the King before he left in a BMW. Officer commanding training Sergeant Simon Bracknell said: 'It is a really proud day for everyone involved, they worked really hard, even with the storm 24 hours ago with 80mph winds. 'The standard that we have marks the squadron's battle history. For the King to present it is really special.'
Daily Record
5 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
King Charles thanks families for sacrifices during visits to Scots RAF base
"On behalf of the nation, I can only offer all the families my heartfelt thanks for the sacrifices you make and the strength you provide." The King has visited Scotland's main RAF base to re-present a squadron standard to a unit there and thank families for their sacrifices. Charles visited RAF Lossiemouth in Moray, northern Scotland, on Wednesday, to attend the stand-up parade for Number 42 (Torpedo Bomber) Squadron. He also watched a flypast of two Typhoon bombers and a P-8A Poseidon aircraft, one of nine stationed at the only RAF main operating base in Scotland. RAF Lossiemouth is one of two quick reaction alert stations which protect the UK airspace, and the King met families including those of servicepeople based in Cyprus and Poland, where they are defending Nato's eastern borders. The King watched a parade including a brass band which played God Save the King twice, and gave a speech where he acknowledged the proximity of VJ Day on August 15 and thanked families for their 'encouragement and understanding' which he said was critical to the success of the air force. He said: 'With just a week until VJ Day, it is a fitting moment to recall that your aviators flew throughout the Burma Campaign in their Blenheim Bombers and Republic Thunderbolts.' Bagpipers greeted Charles as he arrived by helicopter for a private meeting with RAF leaders. And he watched a parade and re-presented a squadron standard which had previously been blessed by a vicar who prayed for the military and their families as well as the monarch. The King said: "Today, we also recognise the vital role played by your families and friends, some of whom I am delighted to see can join us today. "Their unwavering support is the foundation upon which this squadron's success is built. It is their encouragement and understanding that enable you all to dedicate yourselves so fully to your duties. On behalf of the nation, I can only offer all the families my heartfelt thanks for the sacrifices you make and the strength you provide." He praised the 'dedication, skill and professionalism' of staff, and added: "The squadron's work not only ensures the operational readiness of the Royal Air Force, but also strengthens our bonds with our Nato partners whom you train, including Canada and Norway. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. "By providing world-leading training to our allies, you contribute to a shared commitment to peace, security and co-operation across the globe." He also acknowledged his own links to the region, and said RAF Lossiemouth is "the beating heart of the United Kingdom's long-range maritime patrol aircraft capability." He added it was also "and an air station at the end of whose runway my old school, Gordonstoun, is situated" and continued: "In the 1960s, it was the Royal Navy's Buccaneer aircraft that took off and landed over us and, as part of the Cadet Corps, we regularly used to train or be trained by personnel on the station." The King was given a tour of the squadron buildings and the Poseidon hangar, which houses nine P-8A Poseidon maritime reconnaissance aircrafts which are equipped with weapons systems for anti-submarine warfare as well as surveillance and search and rescue missions. Charles was given a tour of one multi-role maritime patrol aircraft and met the crew, who showed him cutting-edge technology to detect, identify and monitor targets, which will be rolled out to Norway, Canada and Germany later this year. He toured the plane which has a wingspan of 123ft, is 129ft in length and stands 42ft 9in tall. It can also carry sonobuoys to search for enemy submarines and can be armed with torpedoes if required. The King met members from the Typhoon air wing, senior leadership and representatives from the wider community, including children from the Airplay Youth support programme and their families, who live on, or near, RAF Lossiemouth. He also met representatives from community projects including support for families of deployed service personnel, and a community group which is planting Christmas trees in sand dunes at Lossiemouth Beach. A little girl presented the King with a bunch of handpicked flowers and he was given a glass holder made from timber from an old bridge on Lossiemouth beach. Schoolchildren waved Union flags as they met the King before he left in a BMW. Officer commanding training Sergeant Simon Bracknell said: "It is a really proud day for everyone involved, they worked really hard, even with the storm 24 hours ago with 80mph winds. The standard that we have marks the squadron's battle history. For the King to present it is really special."
North Wales Chronicle
5 days ago
- General
- North Wales Chronicle
King visits Scotland's main RAF base and thanks families for their sacrifices
Charles visited RAF Lossiemouth in Moray, northern Scotland, on Wednesday, to attend the stand-up parade for Number 42 (Torpedo Bomber) Squadron. He also watched a flypast of two Typhoon bombers and a P-8A Poseidon aircraft, one of nine stationed at the only RAF main operating base in Scotland. RAF Lossiemouth is one of two quick reaction alert stations which protect the UK airspace, and the King met families including those of servicepeople based in Cyprus and Poland, where they are defending Nato's eastern borders. The King watched a parade including a brass band which played God Save the King twice, and gave a speech where he acknowledged the proximity of VJ Day on August 15 and thanked families for their 'encouragement and understanding' which he said was critical to the success of the air force. He said: 'With just a week until VJ Day, it is a fitting moment to recall that your aviators flew throughout the Burma Campaign in their Blenheim Bombers and Republic Thunderbolts.' Bagpipers greeted Charles as he arrived by helicopter for a private meeting with RAF leaders, and he watched a parade and re-presented a squadron standard which had previously been blessed by a vicar who prayed for the military and their families as well as the monarch. The King said: 'Today, we also recognise the vital role played by your families and friends, some of whom I am delighted to see can join us today. Their unwavering support is the foundation upon which this squadron's success is built. 'It is their encouragement and understanding that enable you all to dedicate yourselves so fully to your duties. 'On behalf of the nation, I can only offer all the families my heartfelt thanks for the sacrifices you make and the strength you provide.' He praised the 'dedication, skill and professionalism' of staff, and added: 'The squadron's work not only ensures the operational readiness of the Royal Air Force, but also strengthens our bonds with our Nato partners whom you train, including Canada and Norway. 'By providing world-leading training to our allies, you contribute to a shared commitment to peace, security and co-operation across the globe.' He also acknowledged his own links to the region, and said RAF Lossiemouth is 'the beating heart of the United Kingdom's long-range maritime patrol aircraft capability, and an air station at the end of whose runway my old school, Gordonstoun, is situated'. He continued: 'In the 1960s, it was the Royal Navy's Buccaneer aircraft that took off and landed over us and, as part of the Cadet Corps, we regularly used to train or be trained by personnel on the station.' The King was given a tour of the squadron buildings and the Poseidon hangar, which houses nine P-8A Poseidon maritime reconnaissance aircrafts which are equipped with weapons systems for anti-submarine warfare as well as surveillance and search and rescue missions. Charles was given a tour of one multi-role maritime patrol aircraft and met the crew, who showed him cutting-edge technology to detect, identify and monitor targets, which will be rolled out to Norway, Canada and Germany later this year. He toured the plane which has a wingspan of 123ft, is 129ft in length and stands 42ft 9in tall and can carry sonobuoys to search for enemy submarines and can be armed with torpedoes if required. The King met members from the Typhoon air wing, senior leadership and representatives from the wider community, including children from the Airplay Youth support programme and their families, who live on, or near, RAF Lossiemouth. He also met representatives from community projects including support for families of deployed service personnel, and a community group which is planting Christmas trees in sand dunes at Lossiemouth Beach. A little girl presented the King with a bunch of handpicked flowers and he was given a glass holder made from timber from an old bridge on Lossiemouth beach. Schoolchildren waved Union flags as they met the King before he left in a BMW. Officer commanding training Sergeant Simon Bracknell said: 'It is a really proud day for everyone involved, they worked really hard, even with the storm 24 hours ago with 80mph winds. 'The standard that we have marks the squadron's battle history. For the King to present it is really special.'
