Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says ‘the club will decide’ whether to play the national anthem
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says ‘the club will decide’ whether or not to play the national anthem when Brentford visits Anfield on the day of King Charles’s coronation as sections of Reds fans have booed it in recent years
- Premier League clubs have been asked to play God Save the King next weekend
- Sections of Liverpool fans have previously booed the national anthem during matches
- Jurgen Klopp insisted that ‘the club would decide’ whether to play the national anthem
Jürgen Klopp has said that ‘the club will decide’ whether Liverpool will play the national anthem on the day of King Charles’s coronation.
The Premier League has asked clubs to play God Save The King for next weekend’s games and that could spell trouble at Anfield, where Liverpool will host Brentford in a match that will be televised on Sky Sports.
Sections of Liverpool supporters have booed the anthem in recent years, most notably at Wembley for the FA Cup final last May when Prince William was the guest of honour. There was little trouble, however, as the club commemorated the Queen after her death last year.
Reds boss Klopp led the way at the time, insisting that nothing but maximum respect be shown during a minute’s silence. Liverpool officials will discuss what to do in the course of this week.
Asked if he had an opinion on the subject, Klopp said: “No, that’s a club decision. I’m the German man in the club, so what can I say about that?’
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has insisted ‘the club will decide’ whether they play the national anthem next week
Premier League clubs have been asked to play God Save the King in honor of King Charles III’s coronation
‘That would be really great. If my opinion counts, then it has nothing to do with me.’
Liverpool risk criticism if they decide not to play the national anthem, but if they do and the booing is repeated, they could face condemnation too.
As Sportsmail exclusively revealed on Sunday, clubs have been asked to play the national anthem with players and officials positioned around the center circle.
They will also feature an official portrait of the King and Queen consort and the coronation logo to be displayed on large screens while the national anthem is played.
Announcements via the PA system are proposed, while an article in the program about the coronation has also been proposed. Images and decals are sent to clubs to use on their digital and social channels.
It’s clear most will be playing the anthem, but what happens at Anfield, where large swaths of the fan base have long held anti-establishment attitudes, remains to be seen.
Sections of Liverpool fans have booed the anthem in the past, although a minute’s silence at Anfield to mark the death of Queen Elizabeth II was generally well observed
Liverpool supporters noticeably belted out the national anthem ahead of the 2022 FA Cup Final at Wembley.
Ahead of July’s Community Shield win over Manchester City at Leicester’s King Power Stadium, Prince William was laughed at as he shook hands with players.
In September, a minute’s silence was held at Anfield following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, which was generally well observed.
Wolves, who host Aston Villa on Saturday, are expected to play the national anthem, while Newcastle’s attitude is yet to be known due to their clash with Arsenal on Sunday.