Liverpool fans have expressed their frustration towards the establishment by booing and jeering the national anthem, “God Save the King,” during a Liverpool fixture against Brentford. This action is not surprising since the Reds supporters have a long-established opposition towards the establishment, and the booing of the national anthem has become more widespread since the 1980s. These feelings were further entrenched after the government’s failings following the Hillsborough disaster, which increased the anger against social and economic inequality among a left-leaning city and fanbase. Liverpool’s fans believe that the state has let them and others in the country down, and the food banks outside Anfield and other Premier League grounds are evidence of the widening inequalities in the country.
During the match against Fulham, fans at Anfield expressed their discontent further by singing, “You can stick your coronation up your arse.” Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s manager, admitted in his programme notes that he was not an expert in English history or monarchy but wished King Charles III well for the future. The Premier League had advised clubs to play ‘God Save the King’ before kick-off, but it was not made compulsory. Liverpool felt that they were left with little choice but to fall in line by not playing the national anthem. The club believed that they would be criticized for being the only club to “disrespect” the occasion if they did not comply. Additionally, the language used in the Premier League’s message requested compliance, and the Premier League was insistent that it was not an edict or a mandate, and it was still down to individual clubs to choose what they do. Demonstrations against the monarchy and environmental groups were also held elsewhere in the country. The Metropolitan Police facilitated anti-monarchy demonstrations unless they contravened existing laws or caused “serious disruption.”
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