Jamie Carragher surprised by so many Liverpool fans booing Trent Alexander-Arnold

Jamie Carragher admitted he was "surprised" by the number of Liverpool fans who booed Trent Alexander-Arnold, but said he could understand their frustration.

Alexander-Arnold started on the bench for Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal, with Conor Bradley preferred in the starting lineup. As he prepared to come on as a substitute, he was loudly booed—a reaction that continued with every touch of the ball.

Speaking after the match, the former Liverpool defender said he was taken aback by the extent of the booing and didn’t necessarily agree with it. However, he acknowledged why some fans may have been upset with Alexander-Arnold’s recent decisions.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher said: "That's the story of the game [the boos]. That's what we will be talking about after the game, and the back pages of every newspaper tomorrow.

"I'm surprised how many. When you're in a crowd of 60,000, there's no doubt there's a lot of unhappy people at Liverpool about the situation. And I've said that's understandable.

"But for me, I said it before the show and said the same away at Leicester where there were a few boos in the away section, I don't believe any player putting on that red shirt on going out there to get them three points or winning titles who goes on to win trophies should be being booed.

"I understand, there's a lot of ill-feeling. And some people outside of Liverpool won't be able to understand that. I do. Booing one of your own players while they're playing is not for me."

He added: “I think like me, the manager will be shocked at how vociferous it was. I think you can expect frustration but I think the best thing Liverpool supporters can do if Trent Alexander-Arnold does play another game for Liverpool which I think that is up in the air. That might be his last performance.

“And that might actually be the right thing. Liverpool don’t need a circus between now and the end of the season because this is the story of the game now. If you're frustrated with Trent, sign Conor Bradley’s name, sing Steven Gerrard’s name.”

Sky Sports colleague Gary Neville also gave his verdict on the reaction from the Anfield crowd. And he also admitted his surprise. Speaking on commentary, he said: "I wasn't expecting Alexander-Arnold to be booed as much as he has."

Alexander-Arnold will certainly be hoping for a far better reaction as he closes his Liverpool career over the coming weeks. The Reds' penultimate game of the season comes against Brighton next Monday.

His final game for the club will come against Crystal Palace at Anfield on the final day of the campaign - a game in which he will get the chance to lift the Premier League trophy.

Alexander-Arnold has not yet confirmed where his future lies but it is widely expected that he will pen a blockbuster contract with Spanish giants Real Madrid.

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