Why Liverpool fans boo the national anthem

Liverpool fans have once again booed the national anthem ahead of their side’s FA Cup final against Chelsea.

The national anthem is traditionally played at domestic finals played at Wembley. However, Liverpool fans are well known for booing God Save the Queen at the home of English football.

There are a multitude of reasons as to why Liverpool fans – and people from the city in general – choose not to associate themselves with the English national anthem. The origins of why the red half of Merseyside boo the national anthem can be traced back to the 1980s.

The Conservative government's 'managed decline' of the city was then followed by the failings of the government following the Hillsborough disaster further entrenched those feelings. A flag regularly spotted at Anfield reads ‘scouse not English’ and will most likely be on display at most games.

While in recent years, the people of Merseyside feel they continue to be let down by the state and believe the foodbanks outside Anfield and Goodison is evidence of widening inequalities. The frosty relationship between city and country also translates to the English national team, with many Liverpudlians not supporting England during major tournaments like the Euros or the World Cup.