Man Utd Icon Slams Liverpool Supporters Over Shocking Trent Alexander-Arnold Jeers
Liverpool supporters who jeered Trent Alexander-Arnold during his comeback to Anfield wearing Real Madrid colors this week have been criticized for not meeting their typical high standards by outspoken former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane.
Alexander-Arnold made his move to the Spanish capital in June after allowing his contract with his childhood club to expire, seeking new opportunities and a fresh experience overseas.
However, a rematch arrived sooner than anticipated following the Champions League fixture draw. Alexander-Arnold wasn't in the starting lineup for the match, which Liverpool secured 1–0, but entered the game as a substitute later. While some fans provided a welcoming reception for the returning hometown player, there was also a clear section of jeers and hostile reactions directed at him.
Keane has argued that Liverpool supporters disappointed themselves in that instance, referencing the standard of football knowledge and emotional maturity historically linked with the fanbase throughout the years. Turning against one of their former players, even for what they view as disloyalty, Keane believes, demonstrates a lack of their usual dignity.
"Liverpool fans have a reputation for being devoted and superior to most other supporters," Keane, the former Manchester United captain, stated on the latest episode of the Stick to Football podcast.
"But I believe for any player returning to face that kind of reception, to jeer him, supporters pay their admission and that's their right, you can't dispute that but..." Keane continued, before Ian Wright interrupted.
"That's the reality, particularly when you pick someone else, especially over Liverpool, they're going to resent you for it," the former Arsenal forward stated.
Keane also countered the position Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher took, justifying the fans' behavior toward Alexander-Arnold by referencing how Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk handled similar contract situations last season—both experienced players agreed to new two-year extensions.
"I understand Jamie's point from recent days, drawing comparisons to Van Dijk and Salah, but those are seasoned players who have played internationally, Trent is in his mid-20s, his deal expired and he had the opportunity to experience something entirely new," he explained.
Gary Neville simply stated, "It is Real Madrid," implying players don't turn down such opportunities.
Carragher Defends Fans Booing Alexander-Arnold
Alexis Mac Allister with a nod to his former team mate tonight pic.twitter.com/skY7cAO1gl
Carragher argued that supporters were warranted in giving Alexander-Arnold a difficult reception due to how he previously presented himself as a Liverpool "fan on the field", a lifelong supporter playing for his beloved club.
"Yes, it's his profession, he has one career, he's a young person, he's achieved tremendous success at the club. But considering what he's expressed since joining the first team, if that was genuine, [that] Liverpool is his only club and he aspires to captain them, he wants to become a legend there..." Carragher commented on CBS.
"I completely understand the supporters' response. Much of it stems from feeling somewhat deceived by Trent during his time at the club. And particularly in the past year, when he avoided media appearances and stayed away from situations involving discussions about himself, Salah and Van Dijk.
"Salah and Van Dijk were regularly appearing in the media expressing their desire to remain. Trent remained notably quiet on the matter—and that's the source of the supporters' frustration."