Micah Richards was working on commentary for Sky Sports alongside Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher when Trent Alexander-Arnold was booed at Anfield
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Micah Richards speaks about the reaction Trent Alexander-Arnold received by Liverpool supporters on Sunday
Micah Richards speaks about the reaction Trent Alexander-Arnold received by Liverpool supporters on Sunday
(Image: The Rest Is Football)
Micah Richards says he understands the context around Liverpool supporters' response to Trent Alexander-Arnold on Sunday after having a conversation with Jamie Carragher. Alexander-Arnold was heavily booed by sections of Anfield after announcing his decision to leave the club at the end of the season.
The 26-year-old is expected to join Real Madrid when his contract expires and some of the Liverpool fanbase have been angered by his decision to depart.
And Richards, working on Sky Sports with Carragher, says he was so surprised by Anfield's reaction to the Scouse full-back that he sought further context on why Alexander-Arnold was booed.
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Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Richards admitted he it left a "sour taste" when he heard the booing.
He said: "I was at the game and to be fair there were a lot of people clapping. You've got to give the balance. We never like booing, because of what he's done for the club.
"I asked Jamie Carragher what's different and he said it's like Liverpool against the world, so when they leave they see it as like a disrespect to the club because no player is above the club.
"It was nice to get that insight from Jamie but at the end of the day, he's made his decision, we have to respect it.
"He's going to one of the best football clubs in the world. To see what happened when he came on, it was just not a nice moment.
"I've talked about Liverpool fans so much. I love them. They are one of the best atmospheres in world football. I always give them the credit, but it was a sour taste when I heard that live. Especially for one of their own."
Also on the podcast, Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer gave their views on the situation.
Lineker said: "It grated on me. I didn't like that. After what he's done. He's a local lad who has come through the ranks. He's given everything. He's won everything for that club.
"I understand they've got the hump that they are losing one of the best players. They all talk about him going on a free but footballers are not pieces of meat.
"I never quite understand it. It's Real Madrid, it's his life, his career. They are incredible fans, Liverpool, but on that occasion - and it wasn't all the fans - I found it a bit disappointing."
Meanwhile, Shearer labelled the booing "not a good look" for Liverpool.
He said: "I saw the reaction on social media which is obviously not the best (way to judge) but I don't like that. I don't like fans booing players.
"After what' he's done for Liverpool. I understand it might only be a minority. Like both of you (Lineker and Micah Richards), I totally respect and admire the Liverpool fans because of who and what they are. But whoever they were who were booing them, come on. Is it that bad?
"He's chosen to do what he wants after doing what he's done for Liverpool. Not a good look for me. Not good. Don't like it at all."