Liverpool have confirmed that they will play the national anthem before their game against Brentford but have emphasised fans will have “strong views” on their decision.
i revealed on Thursday that the club were set to play the anthem despite considerable disquiet at Anfield about being put in a difficult position by the Premier League‘s “strong suggestion” to mark the coronation before kick off.
Liverpool fans booed the anthem at the FA Cup last year and there is a strong anti-establishment feeling in the city, so the reaction of supporters is sure to be scrutinised. The game is live on Sky at 5.30pm so the eyes of the nation will be on it.
The league want all clubs with home fixtures over the Bank Holiday weekend to gather players around the centre circle for the anthem before the game.
They have also suggested reflecting the occasion in the programme and have provided pictures and digital assets to be displayed on big screens, although it has been stressed it was mandatory and clubs could have opted out if they wished.
Liverpool have decided to play the anthem but appeared to send a message in their confirmation that they were not a driving force behind it. In a statement confirming their decision on Friday morning the club twice emphasised it was a Premier League request to play the anthem.
Their statement also acknowledged that many supporters did not want to see the anthem played. A line in the club missive read: “It is, of course, a personal choice how those at Anfield on Saturday mark this occasion and we know some supporters have strong views on it.”
If there is a mixed reaction to the anthem – which seems likely given the fact the anthem was booed before last year’s FA Cup final – it is sure to spark condemnation in certain quarters. But Jurgen Klopp leapt to the defence of fans last year when Boris Johnson’s spokesman criticised the boos and is likely to do the same again.
Inside the club there is a feeling that they are “damned if the do and damned if they don’t” with regard to the anthem.
The rest of the clubs with home fixtures will also play the anthem. Tottenham confirmed their plans on Thursday – even going as far as showing the coronation on big screens around the stadium – while i revealed Newcastle will also play the anthem before their top of the table televised fixture against Arsenal.
Analysis: A right royal mess of the league’s making
By Tony Evans
A negative response to “God Save The King” is inevitable. As is the round of Hillsborough abuse and denial that accompanies every show of disrespect for the anthem.
Not every Liverpool fan will boo. Anfield attracts royalists, Tories and people who are ambivalent about the monarchy. Yet the Premier League know that the majority inside the ground will make their voices heard in protest. Nothing the club can do will stop it.
Except for one thing. Ignoring the coronation. Liverpool cannot do that. They are damned if they do and damned if they don’t. The Premier League has made a right royal mess of this.
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