Roy Keane has criticised Liverpool supporters for their lack of 'class' after Trent Alexander-Arnold was booed during his return to Anfield on Wednesday night. The former Manchester United captain spoke out following the defender's hostile reception, as Arne Slot's Liverpool beat Real Madrid 1-0 in the Champions League.
Alexander-Arnold, who left the club as a free agent in the summer, was jeered by the home crowd when he came on as a substitute. Liverpool received only a £10 million compensation fee for the England international, and fans remain unhappy with his departure. Keane, speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, said the treatment was beneath the club's reputation.
'The reputation of Liverpool fans is that they are loyal and a level up from most supporters,' Keane said. 'But to boo a local lad who has played nearly 300 games for the club is unnecessary. Liverpool fans think they have class, but they need to have a good look at themselves.'
Liverpool manager Arne Slot, however, offered a warmer view of his former player. 'He has been special to this club and to me,' Slot said after the match. 'I gave him a hug because that's what I will do every time I see him.' Slot praised Alexander-Arnold's contributions in his debut season, during which the full-back scored four goals and provided ten assists in Liverpool's Premier League title win.
