Trent Alexander-Arnold was met with loud boos from Liverpool supporters upon entering the field against Arsenal.
Earlier this week, the defender confirmed he would leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Alexander-Arnold came on as a substitute in the 66th minute as manager Arne Slot rotated the squad.
However, his appearance was clearly unwelcome to many in the Anfield crowd.
Before his substitution, fans in the Kop stand had been singing the name of club legend Steven Gerrard, known for his unwavering loyalty despite offers from clubs like Chelsea.
Supporters also chanted in favour of Conor Bradley, the player Alexander-Arnold replaced.
Alexander-Arnold could be seen covering his mouth as he walked onto the pitch, and the jeers continued every time he touched the ball.
Adding to a difficult evening, Alexander-Arnold made a defensive error shortly after coming on, playing Mikel Merino onside for Arsenal`s equalizing header after Martin Odegaard`s shot hit the post.
Following the 2-2 draw, Alexander-Arnold appeared downcast during the traditional lap of appreciation, with some fans still audible booing.
Reacting to the initial boos, pundit Gary Neville commented: “Wow. That is not pleasant for him.”
Liverpool teammate Andy Robertson defended Alexander-Arnold after the match.
Robertson stated: “I`m disappointed to lose my best mate in the game… We`ve done it all together.
“He`s an amazing player and an amazing friend. He`s made me a better player, and that`s from the bottom of my heart.”
He added that TAA “took me to levels I never knew existed and kept pushing me through the good years.”
Robertson emphasized TAA`s lasting impact: “His legacy at this club is there for everyone to see. The trophies he`s won, the moments he has had in history will always be there.”
“It`s not nice to see your friend get booed,” Robertson concluded, “but we can`t tell people how to act.”
Alexander-Arnold, aged 26, had shared an emotional video earlier in the week saying goodbye to the fans.
He is widely expected to join Real Madrid on a free transfer, a move that has clearly angered many Liverpool fans (“Kopites”).
Reports even suggested he has been banned from certain establishments in Liverpool.
Real Madrid has reportedly begun formal negotiations and offered Liverpool £1 million for an early transfer.
Liverpool might seek a higher fee, potentially £1.5 million, despite TAA`s contract expiring soon (and the club still paying his reported £180,000-a-week wage).
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher supported the fan reaction, calling the anger over his departure “justified.”
Carragher explained that Liverpool, like other top clubs, aims to win major titles (Premier League, Champions League).
He views any move that “undermines that” goal as a threat.
Carragher argued that this competitive stance is standard for elite clubs like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, or Manchester United.
He concluded that by leaving, Alexander-Arnold makes it harder for Liverpool to achieve its goals, which naturally stirs emotions among supporters.
