After Trent Alexander-Arnold was given a frosty reception by Liverpool fans on his return to Anfield, Roy Keane expressed sympathy for the Real Madrid defender
Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid heckled by fans as he comes on as a substitute during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Anfield on November 04, 2025 in Liverpool, England
A huge number of supporters booed Trent Alexander-Arnold's entrance onto the pitch
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Roy Keane has accused Liverpool supporters of lacking 'class' after Trent Alexander-Arnold was booed on his return to Anfield. Arne Slot's side overcame Real Madrid 1-0 at Anfield in the Champions League.
Alexis Mac Allister's header was enough to secure a vital three points for the Merseysiders. However, one of the most memorable moments of the contest came when Alexander-Arnold came on from the bench and was heavily jeered by the crowd.
Liverpool supporters were left hurt when the England international departed the club as a free agent in the summer. The Reds did secure a £10million fee for his services due to Los Blancos' desire to play him at the Club World Cup, but fans were still disappointed by his exit.
After watching him get booed on his return to the club he grew up at, Keane took a swipe at the supporters who were so hostile. Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Keane said: "The reputation of Liverpool fans is that they are loyal and a level up from most supporters.
"But I think for any player to go back, to boo him, people pay their money to go and that's fine, you're not going to argue with supporters."
He also added: "Liverpool fans will obviously think 'We are the biggest club in the world' like all supporters. I'm not saying you give him the thumbs up for leaving you.
"But why would you go to a match and boo a lad who has played 260/270 games, stats are fantastic. You don't have to wish him luck in Madrid.
Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid comes on as a substitute during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Anfield on November 04, 2025 in Liverpool, England
He did not receive a warm reception on his return
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"But to go to the effort of thinking, 'I'm going to boo this kid' as a local lad and Liverpool fans for some reason think they've got class. No Liverpool fans have to have a good look at themselves.
"The beauty with Trent over the last year or two is that he has said very little, he's not been one to say, 'Oh I'd love to stay here.’
"He has actually kept his mouth shut and sometimes that's not a bad thing to do. How many times do you see players say, 'Oh I love this club' and then they leave. He kept it cool.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid embraces Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool following the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Anfield on November 4, 2025 in Liverpool, England
Liverpool team-mates did pay respect to Alexander-Arnold after the match
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After the match, Slot praised Alexander-Arnold's work with him the previous season, which saw the right-back contribute four goals and ten assists as the Reds won the Premier League in Slot's first campaign. The Dutchman said: "He (Alexander-Arnold) lost so that is tough.
"I said something like 'keep going' to him. I honestly didn't know exactly what I said to him. He has been special to this club, he has been special to me. And he is a special human being.
"So, for me to give him a hug is something I will do every single time I see him."
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