Klopp says 'club will decide' whether to play national anthem
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says ‘the club will decide’ whether or not to play the national anthem when Brentford visit Anfield on the day of King Charles’ Coronation, as sections of Reds fans have booed it in recent years
- Premier League clubs have been asked to play God Save the King next weekend
- Sections of Liverpool fans have previously booed the national anthem at games
- Jurgen Klopp insisted ‘the club would decide’ whether to play the anthem
Jurgen Klopp has said ‘the club will decide’ about whether Liverpool play the national anthem on the day of King Charles’s Coronation.
The Premier League have asked clubs to play God Save The King before matches next weekend and that may cause issues at Anfield, where Liverpool host Brentford in a game that will be broadcast on Sky Sports.
Sections of Liverpool’s support have booed the anthem in recent years, most notably at Wembley before the FA Cup final last May, when Prince William was guest of honour. There were few issues, though, when the club commemorated the Queen following her death last year.
Reds boss Klopp led the way back then, insisting there would be nothing but maximum respect shown during a minute’s silence. Liverpool officials will discuss what to do over the course of this week.
Asked if he had an opinion on the subject, Klopp said: ‘No, that’s a club decision. I am the German guy in the club, so what should I say about that?’
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has insisted ‘the club will decide’ whether to play the national anthem next week
Premier League clubs have been asked to play God Save the King to mark King Charles III’s coronation
‘That would be really great. If my opinion would count even, it’s nothing to do with me.’
Liverpool will risk criticism if they decide not to play the anthem, although if they do and the booing is repeated then they may also face condemnation.
As Sportsmail exclusively revealed on Sunday, clubs have been asked to play the anthem with players and officials surrounding the centre circle.
They will also be provided with an official portrait of the King and The Queen Consort and the Coronation Logo to be displayed on big screens while the anthem is sounded.
Announcements over the PA system are suggested to be made, while an article in the programme on the Coronation has also been proposed. Images and emblems will be sent to clubs to use on their digital and social channels.
It is understood that most will play the anthem, although what happens at Anfield, where large sections of the fanbase have a long-held anti-establishment stance, remains to be seen.
Sections of Liverpool fans have booed the national anthem in the past, although a minute’s silence held at Anfield to mark the death of Queen Elizabeth II was generally well observed
Liverpool supporters noticeably booed the national anthem ahead of the 2022 FA Cup Final at Wembley.
Before July’s Community Shield victory over Manchester City at Leicester’s King Power Stadium Prince William was jeered as he shook the hands of players.
A minute’s silence was held at Anfield in September following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, which was generally well-observed.
Wolves, who host Aston Villa on Saturday, are expected to play the anthem, while Newcastle’s stance is not yet known for their clash with Arsenal on Sunday.
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