Many people go to football matches for a variety of reasons, including to show their support for their team, to feel part of something, and to escape from the stresses of everyday life. This Saturday, Liverpool will be playing Brentford, looking to extend their winning streak. For regular match-goers, the journey to the game will be familiar, but this time it will be different due to mandated patriotism. The Premier League has been leaning on Liverpool Football Club to mark the coronation of King Charles with pomp and ceremony, including playing the national anthem and displaying certain graphics.
The views on the Royal Family vary greatly, even within the city that hosts the club. In Kirkdale, one of the most deprived areas of the UK, there is little to no sign of what is being presented as the celebration of a nation. Meanwhile, in Birkdale, flags are flying and pubs are decorated. This highlights the importance of choice; if some are for and some are against, some love and some hate, why should it be forced on everyone?
The coronation will be televised, which means people who hate Liverpool and Scousers will be watching eagerly to see if there is any opposition to the anthem or other displays of patriotism. This could lead to negative headlines and social media posts which are all too common when it comes to Liverpool.
The Premier League and those leaning on them have made a mess of this situation, and Liverpool Football Club have been put in a difficult position. They have acknowledged that people have the freedom of speech, but this could still lead to backlash. All people wanted was to go to a football match, but instead they are being forced into a situation that they have not voted for or asked for.