The Premier League has asked all Premier League clubs to play the national anthem ahead of next week’s fixtures as a mark of respect during King Charles III’s Coronation weekend. This request is unlikely to cause any issues at most top flight grounds, however it places Liverpool in a difficult position ahead of their game against Brentford.
The Reds are due to take on Thomas Frank’s side next Saturday at 17.30 at Anfield in a game that is also due to be aired live on Sky Sports. Last May, a large group of Liverpool fans were condemned for booing the national anthem ahead of the FA Cup final against Chelsea. When asked for his opinion on the reaction, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said: ‘Of course I have thoughts, but in these situations I think it’s always best to ask the question ‘why do they do it?’ I know our people well enough that they would not do it if there was no reason. I am not here long enough to understand the reason. But it is for sure something historical, and that’s a question you can answer better than I ever could.’
The booing is believed to stem less from an objection to the Queen or King and the monarchy, and more to do with the city of Liverpool’s opposition of the class system – spearheaded by the Royals – which has contributed to poverty, unemployment and hardship in the city dating back to the 1980s. Prince William, President of the Football Association since 2006, was jeered back in August when he shook hands with players from Liverpool and Manchester City ahead of the Community Shield at Leicester’s King Power Stadium.
Liverpool are yet to make a decision as to whether the anthem will be aired next weekend. However, it is clear that the Premier League’s request is likely to cause some controversy amongst fans of the Merseyside club.