Trent Alexander-Arnold was shockingly booed by sections of the Anfield crowd during Liverpool’s recent 2-2 draw with Arsenal, following confirmation of his summer move to Real Madrid. Entering as a substitute in the 67th minute, the long-serving right-back—who has been with Liverpool for 21 years—faced an unexpected backlash.
Despite the cold reception, Alexander-Arnold made a strong impact, including a near-perfect free-kick. However, a late VAR decision revealed he played Mikel Merino onside, allowing Arsenal to equalize—fueling further criticism.
The reaction from fans sparked strong defenses from pundits. Jamie Carragher condemned the boos as disrespectful, while Rio Ferdinand emphasized Trent’s loyalty and contributions to Liverpool’s success.
Manager Arne Slot acknowledged the fans’ emotions but stood by his decision to keep playing Alexander-Arnold, praising his influence on the match.
As the season winds down, focus shifts to maintaining team cohesion. The controversy has sparked broader debates about how fans treat players nearing the end of their time at a club, especially those who’ve given so much.