Liverpool supporters are expected to boo the national anthem ahead of the Community Shield against Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium this afternoon. The anthem, 'God Save the King,' accompanies the pageantry of the fixture, but many travelling Reds are likely to voice their displeasure.
The booing stems from long-standing grievances dating back to the 1980s, when many Liverpudlians felt their city was subjected to a 'managed decline' under Margaret Thatcher's Conservative government. The Hillsborough disaster in 1989, where 97 fans died, deepened mistrust due to the state's mishandling and misreporting of the tragedy.
In recent years, the presence of food banks near Anfield and Goodison Park has been cited as evidence that Liverpool continues to be overlooked by Westminster. Some fans also subscribe to a 'Scouse not English' identity, leading to a lack of support for the England national team.
Last season, Liverpool fans booed the anthem before a Premier League match against Brentford marking King Charles III's coronation, despite the league's 'strong advice' to play it. The club ultimately complied, but the reaction was widespread.
