Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has criticised a section of Liverpool FC supporters for booing former club stalwart Trent Alexander‑Arnold during his return to Anfield with Real Madrid. The reaction came despite Alexander-Arnold’s long and successful service to Liverpool — including over 260 appearances, two Premier League titles and a Champions League win.
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Keane said: “The reputation of Liverpool fans is that they are loyal and a level up from most supporters… but I think for any player to go back, to boo him — people pay their money to go and that’s fine — you’re not going to argue with supporters… But why would you go to a match and boo a lad who has played 260/270 games, stats are fantastic. He kept his head down, didn’t play games with the fans.”
Keane added: “You don’t have to wish him luck in Madrid. But to go to the effort of thinking, ‘I’m going to boo this kid’ as a local lad and Liverpool fans, for some reason, think they’ve got class… Liverpool fans have to have a good look at themselves.”
Alexander-Arnold, a product of the Liverpool academy, left the club this summer after a decade at the senior level to join Real Madrid. The boos erupted when he was introduced as a substitute at Anfield, with fans clearly divided — some applauding, others jeering.
Liverpool legend Jürgen Klopp also weighed in, describing the boos as deeply disappointing and out of character for a club that prides itself on unity and respect.
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The incident reignites debate around player loyalty, contract decisions and supporter reactions when a long-serving player departs. Keane’s intervention puts the spotlight back on how clubs, players and fans navigate painful transitions — especially at elite clubs where expectations are monumental.
In short, Keane believes the boos were unjustified and urged Liverpool supporters to reflect on the legacy of a player who gave significant years to the club and ultimately sought a new challenge.