Jamie Carragher, the former Liverpool defender, expressed his shock regarding the negative reception Trent Alexander-Arnold received during the match against Arsenal.
Furthermore, the Reds icon admitted his belief that “most players in that Liverpool dressing room probably want to play for Real Madrid.”
Alexander-Arnold was greeted with boos at Anfield when he came on as a substitute for Conor Bradley and continued to be jeered with almost every touch of the ball.
The home crowd reportedly chanted Bradley’s name, indicating their dissatisfaction with Alexander-Arnold, particularly following his announcement the previous week that he would be leaving the club.
Carragher stated that it was unfair for Liverpool supporters to boo their right-back, especially given the trophies he has won with the team.
During commentary on Sky Sports, he remarked: “That`s the story of the game. That’s what we will be talking about after the game, and the back pages of every newspaper.”
“I’m surprised how many [boos]. For me, I don’t believe any player putting on that red shirt who goes on to win trophies should be being booed.”
“Booing one of your own players while they’re playing is not for me.”
“That [booing him] was a step too far. That could’ve been his last performance, which might be the right thing as Liverpool don’t need a circus.”
“If you are frustrated with Trent, sing Conor Bradley or Steven Gerrard’s name. Don’t boo a player as it opens you up to criticism from supporters up and down the land about Liverpool supporters.”
Despite the harsh treatment, Alexander-Arnold, 26, performed a lap of applause for the fans at the end of the match – an act Gary Neville found “not pleasant” to witness given the circumstances.
Earlier in the week, the England player confirmed his intention to depart Liverpool when his current contract expires at the close of the season, with Real Madrid widely reported as his next destination.
Carragher conceded that while difficult for fans to hear, many players within the current Liverpool squad would likely make a similar move if presented with the opportunity.
He elaborated: “I think team-mates in this dressing room would normally rally around most people 99 per cent of the time.”
“Supporters of any football club right now will probably not want to hear this, but most players in that Liverpool dressing room probably want to play for Real Madrid.”
“I’ve been in a dressing room where players left us to go to Barcelona and Real Madrid. It’s really hard for supporters. You almost feel like they fall for it every time, ‘this player absolutely loves us’. And then they move on and go somewhere else.”
“Players don’t think like supporters. A lot of those players in the dressing room will think they’d love to play for Real Madrid.”
Prior to this incident, Carragher had commented that fans` frustration towards Alexander-Arnold was “justified” and would inevitably “stir emotions.”
