Liverpool football fans drowned out God Save the King on Coronation Day with a huge chorus of boos.
The national anthem was played before the Premier League match between Liverpool and Brentford at Anfield on Saturday afternoon to mark the coronation of King Charles III and the Queen consort.
But fans in the stadium did not respect the anthem as both teams lined up around the center circle.
The banter began immediately after the PA announcer confirmed the national anthem would be played moments before kickoff.
As the players shuffled uncomfortably towards the center circle where they gathered shoulder to shoulder, huge chants of “Liverpool, Liverpool” took over from the boos.
Liverpool fans drowned out God Save the King when it was played before their match with Brentford at Anfield on Coronation Day
Liverpool fans hold up ‘He’s not my king’ sign as they boo the national anthem
There was plenty of anti-coronation sentiment among Liverpool fans before kick-off
There were then almost entirely boos around the ground, with the anthem only faintly heard as Reds skipper Jordan Henderson appeared to sing along to the anthem from the touchline as a substitute.
Meanwhile, Reds players of various nationalities decided to remain silent as they observed protocol, with ‘Liverpool’ chants soon taking over once more.
As soon as the anthem ended, the traditional song played at Anfield before kick-off, ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, was played around the stadium.
May’s supporters carried placards airing their grievances, which read “he’s not my king”, while others held up a banner of legendary former player and manager Kenny Dalglish, referring to his traditional nickname of “King Kenny”.
Liverpool only begrudgingly played it ahead of the televised game after “strongly suggested” Premier League clubs hosting games this weekend flagged the coronation.
His fans have booed the anthem in recent years, with some chanting “you can put the coronation up your ass” at last week’s game against Fulham.
Liverpool substitute and captain Jordan Henderson appeared to sing along to the anthem
The national anthem played after the Premier League “strongly suggested” its clubs host matches this weekend marked the coronation
Liverpool players lined up around the center circle before kick-off against Brentford
Liverpool fans display a Kenny Dalglish flag before the Premier League match at Anfield
One supporter referred to how Dalglish was the only King recognized by him as a Liverpool fan
A fan in the home section raised the Union flag during the coronation
The club was aware that not playing God Save the King would subject them to a national backlash, so they announced on Friday that they would accept the league’s suggestion, which was not binding.
Liverpool fans observed a minute’s silence for Queen Elizabeth II following her death last September.
But the national anthem had been mocked by some of its supporters ahead of last season’s FA Cup final at Wembley.
Privately, there was anger at Liverpool at being put in this position by the Premier League.
Liverpool planned to use the Brentford match as an opportunity to celebrate the start of Eurovision week in the city and showcase the event.
They were also going to tie their Foundation Day, commemorating 20 years of their solidarity work in the city.
But the actions of their fans and the wider reaction to it will now dominate the agenda.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said on Friday he agreed with the club’s decision to play the national anthem.
A banner in a window celebrates the coronation of Charles III and Camilla as Liverpool fans make their way to their team’s clash with Brentford at Anfield.
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp had backed the clubs’ stance on playing the national anthem on Friday
King Charles and Camilla, the Queen consort visited Liverpool last month to switch on the stage lighting at the M&S Bank Arena, which will host Eurovision.
Audience members watch the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on a big screen at Eurovision Village, Liverpool
Asked about the coronation in the first question of the press conference, he replied: ‘The position of the club is mine. That is clear.
“Besides that, this is definitely a topic I can’t have a proper opinion on. I’m from Germany, we don’t have a king or queen, I’m 55 years old and I have no experience.
“Looking from the outside, it’s a nice thing to see when all the weddings are massive things in Germany, but nobody really knows what it’s like. It’s like watching a movie. We don’t feel that.
‘That’s pretty much it. I’m pretty sure a lot of people in this country will enjoy the coronation, some won’t care and some won’t. This is and this is all over the country. That’s all I can say about it. The position of the club is mine.
Anfield stadium DJ George Sephton, 77, tweeted he would “delighted” to play the national anthem before deleting the post.
In response to a message suggesting Sephton play ‘God Save the Queen’ by punk band the Sex Pistols, he wrote: “I’ll happily play the National Anthem. It’s Coronation Day.
In response, Liverpool fans told him it would be “the worst song you’ll ever play”.
More to follow…
Liverpool stadium announcer George Sephton tweeted that he will “happily” play “God Save the King” at Anfield ahead of Saturday’s game with Brentford after the club agreed to do so.
Sephton, the voice of Anfield, responded to a tweet urging him to play the Sex Pistols classic ‘God Save the Queen’.
