Liverpool will play the United Kingdom’s national anthem before their Premier League fixture with Brentford to mark the coronation of King Charles III.
The league has asked all hosting teams to air ‘God Save the King’ before fixtures, a move which put the Reds in a tough spot.
Liverpool supporters have previously booed the national anthem when played at games. Many locals of the city do not buy into English nationalism and patriotism due to years of poor treatment from the country’s governments.
However, the Premier League “strongly suggested” all clubs play the anthem and Liverpool have been forced to fall in line for their evening fixture with Brentford on Saturday.
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Part of a statement from Liverpool confirming the schedule reads: “Before kick-off and in recognition of the Premier League’s request to mark the coronation, players and officials will congregate around the centre circle when the national anthem will be played.
“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.”
That statement places more emphasis on matchday events around Eurovision, which will take place in Liverpool in September 2022, and the LFC Foundation’s 20th anniversary.
Reds supporters booed the anthem at the FA Cup final in 2022 while Prince William was jeered before the Community Shield win over Manchester City.
Liverpool are fifth in the Premier League thanks to five straight wins and host a Brentford side who have also enjoyed two successive victories.
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