Jurgen Klopp has stood by Liverpool’s decision to play the national anthem ahead of tomorrow’s Premier League game against Brentford at Anfield. The Merseyside club will play the national anthem before the start of its game on Saturday to mark the coronation of King Charles III and acknowledged that ‘some supporters have strong views on it.’ 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. 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. Queen Elizabeth II held the throne for seven decades until her death in September at the age of 96.
Liverpool fans booed the national anthem in the 1980s and during what some refer to as the managed decline of the city during the tenure of the Conservative Party-led government. Deepening those feelings were the actions of the government following the Hillsborough Stadium disaster, and many from the left-leaning city continue to feel let down by the state. ‘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’,”‘ Liverpool said on its website.
Asked for his take on the club’s decision, speaking at his pre-match press conference, 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.’
The historic Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla will take place in Westminster Abbey on Saturday, May 6, 2023. For all the latest royal updates, visit Metro.co.uk’s dedicated coronation page. Liverpool play host to Brentford on Saturday afternoon at Anfield looking to boost their top four hopes (Picture: Getty)‘Before kickoff, players and officials will congregate around the center 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. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.