The national anthem is not universally popular among Liverpool fans (Picture: Getty Images)
The national anthem was met with boos from Liverpool fans at Anfield on Saturday afternoon ahead of the Premier League clash with Brentford.
The coronation of King Charles is going on in London on Saturday and Liverpool said it would play ‘God Save the King’ after the league had contacted clubs playing home games and ‘strongly suggested’ they note the historic occasion.
Reds supporters booed the national anthem – which was formerly ‘God Save the Queen’ – when it was played ahead of the FA Cup final a year ago and the Community Shield in July because of a long-held opposition toward the establishment.
A post on Liverpool’s official website read: ‘Just over a week ago, the Premier League contacted all home clubs and strongly suggested to mark this historic occasion across home matches this weekend and provided a list of activity for clubs to get involved in.
‘Before kickoff, players and officials will congregate around the centre circle when the national anthem will be played. It is, of course, a personal choice how those at Anfield on Saturday mark this occasion and we know some supporters have strong views on it.’
John Gibbons from Liverpool fan podcast The Anfield Wrap warned that there would be defiance from the Reds fans, saying: ‘It’s galling when the country is going through what it is. There will be foodbanks outside the ground when millions are being spent on the coronation in London.
‘There are people in this city who can’t afford to eat when millions are being spent on putting a crown on someone’s head, it’s a preposterous situation.
‘I don’t think the club should have done it. They should have stood strong but are kicking it on to the supporters.
‘The fans will refuse to back down and it will mean them being criticised. People should think why are they being made to do something they don’t want to do.’
Asked for his opinion on the matter before the match, manager Jurgen Klopp said: ‘This is definitely a subject I cannot really have a proper opinion about because I am from Germany. we don’t have a King or a Queen.
‘I have no experience with that. Watching from the outside it’s a nice thing to watch when all the weddings are massive things in Germany but it’s like watching a movie because we don’t feel that.
‘I’m pretty sure a lot of people in this country will enjoy the coronation but others will not be interested and some will not like it.
‘I think that’s all I can say, and the rest my position is the club’s position.’
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Boos rang out at Anfield.
