Liverpool: Isolated boos as fans observe moment’s silence for the Queen at Anfield before Ajax game

Liverpool fans observed a generally respectful moment of silence for the Queen ahead of their Champions League match against Ajax at Anfield.

When top football returned after the death of Britain’s longest-serving monarch last week, the 53,000-strong crowd paused for a moment before the Group A game.

However, there were isolated booing, cries and chants of ‘Liverpool, Liverpool’ from a minority of individuals – although the majority quickly silenced them and most supporters passed the period of silence calmly and respectfully. Darren Fletcher of BT Sport said: ‘Immaculately perceived by many, but not by all.’

The players wore black armbands for the match with the traditional pre-match Champions League song not played. It came after Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said observing the silence of the moment was an appropriate way to show respect for the Queen.

Some Liverpool fans chose to sing the anthem ‘God save the Queen’ when it was played at Wembley for their FA Cup final victory over Chelsea in May.

The same happened for the Community Shield win over Manchester City at Leicester’s King Power Stadium in July, when Prince William was booed as he shook hands with the players.

Speaking ahead of Tuesday night’s game, Klopp said: “I think this is the right thing to do, but I don’t think our people need advice from me to show respect.”

Klopp paid his own personal tribute to the Queen, greeting her as a “warm and loving lady” before confirming that he would honor the stillness of the moment.

He continued: ‘She was a very nice, warm and loving lady. She is the only Queen of England I have ever known. I didn’t know her, but she was nice and warm. People feel so close to her and I have great respect for their grief.

“I will show my respect in silence tomorrow night.”

The Hillsborough Survivors Support Alliance group tweeted: “Anyone attending tonight’s game, please show respect and observe a minute of silence.

“You probably don’t think any reaction will affect you, but it will affect us and family members with the increase in abuse across Hillsborough. Respect costs nothing and that goes both ways.’

Jurgen Klopp (above) had told Liverpool supporters a silence was ‘the right thing to do’

Club legend Kenny Dalglish echoed that message, saying: “Respect costs nothing and comes both ways. Brilliantly placed. I hope everyone at Anfield can respect these wishes tonight. KD.’

Another Anfield hero, Graeme Souness, also warned fans not to scorn Tuesday night’s moment of quiet reflection.

‘Personally I would have liked something stronger [from Klopp]. The bottom line is that you have someone who has passed away, which is extremely sad for the entire nation,” he told talkSPORT.

He must remember that it is the name of Liverpool Football Club that will be tarnished if anyone misbehaves tonight, if they show any kind of protest. Liverpool will be tainted for a long time.

Sir Kenny Dalglish (pictured) had called on Liverpool fans to respect tribute to the Queen

Some Liverpool supporters hooted the national anthem during the FA Cup final in May

Graeme Souness said Liverpool’s reputation will be ‘tarnished’ if they don’t show respect

‘Someone has passed away, our queen has passed away, show some respect. That woman was such a faithful servant of our country for 70 years. She was only a young woman when she came to the throne. She has been flawless for me.

“For any Liverpool supporter, for any football supporter, it would be unacceptable to show any disrespect at this point. Someone has died.’

It came after Liverpool captains Jordan Henderson and Niamh Fahey signed a book of condolence in honor of the Queen, who passed away last Thursday at the age of 96.

Henderson, captain of the men’s team, and Fahey, captain of the women’s squad, went to Liverpool City Hall on Monday, where they were welcomed by Mayor Roy Gladden before writing their own tribute.

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson signs condolence book for Queen Elizabeth II

Niamh Fahey, the captain of the Liverpool women’s team, also left a tribute in City Hall

The Reds will see two Premier League games on Monday affected by the Queen’s death and the ensuing 10 days of national mourning and her funeral in London.

They saw their home game against Wolverhampton Wanderers postponed last weekend as part of football’s general break.

And this Sunday’s visit to Chelsea has also been canceled due to overstretched police resources in London over the Queen’s funeral on Monday.