Liverpool supporters directed chants about Steven Gerrard and Conor Bradley at Trent Alexander-Arnold as he was jeered by his own fans during the 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Sunday. The right-back, who announced he will leave the club on a free transfer this summer, was booed as he came on as a substitute in the 67th minute.
The 26-year-old's decision to depart Anfield, with a move to Real Madrid expected, has angered many Reds fans who accuse him of disloyalty after he joined the club's academy at age six. As he waited to enter the pitch, supporters sang 'there's only one Conor Bradley' and chanted Gerrard's iconic song, referencing two players who embody loyalty to the club.
Manager Arne Slot defended his decision to select Alexander-Arnold, saying: 'I consider is I want to win a game of football and if we think we can win with Trent, I owe it to his team-mates and to the fans.' He added that the player showed his quality with several dangerous crosses.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher criticised the booing, suggesting Alexander-Arnold may have played his last game for the club. 'Booing one of your own players while they're playing is not for me,' Carragher said, though he acknowledged understanding the fans' frustration.
Alexander-Arnold is the only one of three key players with expiring contracts to leave, as Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have signed new deals. Academy prospect Bradley is expected to become the first-choice right-back next season.
