Alexander-Arnold’s treatment shows Liverpool’s ‘you’ll never walk alone’ mantra is a myth | OneFootball

Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision to end his 20-year association with his boyhood club has not gone down well with many fans.

Alexander-Arnold looks destined to join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer – a dream move for any footballer.

It would be fair to say that the timing of the announcement of the 26-year-old’s departure could have been better.

While Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk were committing their futures to the club, Alexander Arnold’s silence about his situation spoke volumes.

Some fans believe that Alexander-Arnold’s decision to run down his contract is a smack in the face for the club which nurtured him.

However, the full-back is under no obligation to protect his transfer value. The club could have sold him two years ago if they wanted to generate income from him.

Whether Liverpool fans like it or not, Alexander-Arnold is joining a bigger club. The allure of playing for the 15-time European champions cannot be understated.

Regardless of their bitterness about the manner of his departure, Alexander Arnold’s treatment by a sizeable portion of the crowd at Anfield yesterday was despicable.

The boos and jeers aimed in his direction made a mockery of the club’s so-called ‘you’ll never walk alone’ mantra.

The negativity played into Arsenal’s hands, allowing them back into the game when they should have been dead and buried.

However, given that the title race is already done and dusted, the result did not matter. Alexander-Arnold’s treatment is a different story.

The England international has undoubtedly been let down by manager Arne Slot, whose insistence that fans were entitled to their opinion added fuel to the fire.

Slot failed in his duty of care for a player who has given his all for Liverpool during his time with the club.

The Dutchman’s refusal to pull Alexander-Arnold out of the firing line is questionable, although he is right to say that his primary focus is picking a team to win games.

Ultimately, Liverpool fans are the issue here. They should have shown appreciation for the service he has given and sent him on his way to Madrid with their best wishes.

The fact that a significant portion of the fanbase could not bring themselves to do that speaks volumes about each of them as individuals.