Trent Alexander-Arnold was loudly jeered by thousands of Liverpool fans inside Anfield after coming off the bench against Arsenal. The defender was making his first appearance for the Reds since announcing that he will be leaving the club at the end of the season. He is widely expected to sign a five-year contract at Real Madrid, joining the Spanish giants on a free transfer.

In the second half of Sunday's game against Arsenal, the 26-year-old was introduced as a substitute in place of Conor Bradley. It prompted a furious reaction from the home supporters, with a chorus of deafening boos ringing out. There was no visible reaction from Alexander-Arnold, who had a steely look on his face as he jogged onto the pitch.

His first touch of the ball was met with another round of jeers before a small pocket of Liverpool fans began to sing: "There's only one Conor Bradley." Just moments later, Arsenal scored an equalising goal with Mikel Merino finding the back of the net.

It saw the Gunners, who gave Liverpool a guard of honour before kick-off, come back from two goals down to level up at Anfield.

Gary Neville was on commentary duties for Sky Sports and was taken aback by the hostile reception given to Alexander-Arnold, saying: "Oh! Well, that's not pleasant for him. It's fair to say there are a few boos for Trent Alexander-Arnold."

Stephen Warnock, the former Liverpool defender who was covering the match on BBC Radio 5 Live, noted: "I think there are a lot more boos than there are cheers for Trent Alexander-Arnold, if I'm being completely honest.

"I am surprised and a little bit disappointed with that. However, Liverpool fans will feel that they are entitled to feel that way. You can hear another response from them too, singing: 'There's only one Conor Bradley'. That is very telling."

Earlier this week, Liverpool boss Arne Slot was quizzed on the possibility of Alexander-Arnold receiving a frosty reception against Arsenal.

"I am not here to tell the fans how they should react," said the Dutchman. "I think we are all disappointed but Trent is the first one who said that he would prefer us, as a team and as a club, not to be too much distracted by this announcement

"I'm hoping that all the energy on Sunday goes to the players and to the support of our fans, and as less as possible to Trent. Unless it's positive, then they can do whatever they want."