Liverpool fans made headlines once again as they expressed their discontent during the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium on Sunday. As the national anthem was played prior to the match, many Liverpool supporters booed, a well-documented response rooted in a deep-seated opposition to the establishment that stretches back several decades.

The tradition of booing the national anthem by Liverpool fans can be traced back to the 1980s, a period marked by significant socio-economic challenges and government policies perceived to have negatively impacted the city. This sentiment was further exacerbated by the Hillsborough disaster in 1989, where 96 Liverpool supporters lost their lives due to a crowd control failure, leading to a widespread feeling of betrayal by authorities. The lasting effects of this historical injustice continue to shape the identity of Liverpool’s football fans.

Speaking to The Independent, Tony Evans, a football writer and Liverpool fan, articulated the frustration felt by many in the city. “The royal family are the cornerstone of the class system,” he stated. He explained that the disconnect between the monarchy and ordinary citizens, especially in light of rising poverty levels, contributes to this ongoing opposition. The Fans Supporting Foodbanks initiative, which originated near both Anfield and Goodison Park, highlights the socioeconomic issues that Liverpool fans often confront, reflecting a broader critique of inequality in the UK.

Liverpool’s relationship with the national identity, as expressed through the national anthem, is complex. Many fans choose not to support the England national team during international tournaments, revealing a broader disconnection from English nationalism. This sentiment was echoed during the Game of Thrones-style showdown at Wembley, where the anticipation of booing the anthem became part of the event’s atmosphere.

Historically, flags bearing phrases like “Scouse not English” are common at Anfield and continue to underscore this cultural distinction. In preparation for the coronation of King Charles III earlier this year, Liverpool had faced difficulties, as the Premier League had strongly suggested that clubs play the national anthem, leading them to ultimately comply under pressure. The decision attracted disdain from fans, resulting in the anthem being booed once again at Anfield, reflecting the persistent divide in sentiment.

As Liverpool fans descended on London for the Carabao Cup final, the booing of the national anthem served not only as a protest against perceived injustices but also as an assertion of their identity amidst a backdrop of historical grievances against both government and monarchy.

Source: Noah Wire Services