Why Liverpool fans boo the national anthem as loud jeers heard ahead of Carabao Cup final

Liverpool supporters were observed expressing their disapproval during the national anthem before the Carabao Cup final. The team, under Jurgen Klopp’s leadership, is competing against Chelsea at Wembley in the 64th League Cup final, aiming to secure their first trophy of the season. Despite the customary pre-match ritual of players and managers lining up on the pitch for the singing of “God Save the King,” the anthem was met with loud boos from the Liverpool section of the stadium, continuing a trend that has been witnessed before.

The national anthem has faced vocal opposition from Liverpool fans on multiple occasions. During King Charles’ Coronation ahead of a game against Brentford last season, fans expressed their disapproval, singing alternative chants during the anthem. Similar sentiments were echoed ahead of the FA Cup final against Chelsea, with fans also booing the Duke of Cambridge, Prince William.

The booing of the national anthem by Liverpool fans is part of a deeper-rooted sentiment of anti-establishment and socialism within the city and the club. This sentiment is linked to historical grievances, including the Conservative government’s mismanagement of the city in the 1980s and the failings surrounding the Hillsborough disaster. According to journalist Caoimhe O’Neill, the booing is not a direct criticism of the Royal Family but rather a broader protest against the establishment. It reflects a long-standing tradition in Liverpool, driven by a sense of social justice and remembrance for those affected by tragedies like Hillsborough.

“That’s the important point to make: it’s about the establishment as a whole, this conglomerate of things that Liverpool fans disagree with.”

James Pearce of The Athletic also provided his take, explaining that people in Liverpool simply cannot relate to the establishment after being “treated so badly”.

He commented: “It all ties in as well to the patriotism that most people from the city don’t associate with.

“You see it when major tournaments come around with the England football team as well, it all feeds into the same thing. That’s not their identity. That’s not who they are.

“There’s a feeling that those people don’t represent them. It’s just a world away from some guy having a crown put on his head in London. What relevance has that got to the lives of people in this city? Especially people who have been treated so badly by the establishment for so long.”