Liverpool fans made their feelings clear after Arne Slot chose to substitute Rio Ngumoha during the Reds' 1-1 draw with Chelsea, with loud boos greeting the decision
14:59, 09 May 2026
Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool interacts with Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, after he leaves the pitch during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield on May 09, 2026 in Liverpool, England
Arne Slot was booed by Liverpool fans after substituting Rio Ngumoha against Chelsea(Image: Getty Images)
Arne Slot has responded to the anger from Liverpool fans after the Reds' head coach was booed during his side's 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Saturday.
Liverpool dropped yet more points as its dismal season continues, with Champions League qualification still not in the bag. Ryan Gravenberch had given the hosts the lead at Anfield before Enzo Fernandez's free-kick managed to find its way through before half-time, with Cole Palmer and Curtis Jones both having goals disallowed in the second half.
The frustration was clear from the home supporters, who greeted the final whistle with some boos, but there was a much angrier reaction during the game after Slot's decision to substitute Rio Ngumoha.
READ MORE: Arne Slot decision booed as Liverpool struggle again at Anfield- 5 talking points vs ChelseaREAD MORE: Liverpool player ratings, winners and losers vs Chelsea as Rio Ngumoha stars
The teenager had impressed once again on just his third Premier League start, but with just over 20 minutes remaining in the game, Slot chose to bring him off, replacing him with Alexander Isak on the striker's return from injury.
The decision did not go down well with the Anfield crowd, who booed loudly before applauding Ngumoha, making it clear that the initial reaction had been directed at his head coach's call.
Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool runs with the ball under pressure from Andrey Santos and Malo Gusto of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Chelsea
Rio Ngumoha impressed during Liverpool's clash with Chelsea(Image: (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images))
Responding to the boos, Slot told TNT Sports: "I don't think it was some of them - there were a lot that didn't agree with the change which is completely understandable.
"He was having problems with his muscles and when I asked him he said he was not sure he could continue. I knew this would be the reaction because he is such a good player. So often in football, people don't know everything. I am the manager and I need to make decisions.
"Knowing why makes it more sense for people."
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Despite dropping more points, Liverpool could still secure Champions League qualification today if results elsewhere go its way.
Bournemouth, Brentford and Brighton are all in action on Saturday against Fulham, Manchester City and Wolves respectively. If all three sides lose their games, then the Reds will be assured of a top-five finish.
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However, the pressure continues to build on Slot, and with speculation over his future not going away anytime soon, the fans' reaction at Anfield will not help his cause in any way.