A number of fans booed both prior to and during their fixture against at Anfield on Sunday after the defender announced he will leave the club this summer.

Alexander-Arnold, 26, confirmed at the start of the week that his 20-year association with the Reds . He is widely expected to join on a free transfer, although official confirmation of such a move has not yet arrived.

Liverpool's first game since Alexander-Arnold's departure was announced came on Sunday when the newly minted champion's hosted Arsenal.

There were audible jeers directed at the Liverpool star when the teams starting line-ups were read out on the PA system. He was then afforded a mixed reception when he replaced Conor Bradley just after the hour mark, with some even jeering when the defender was on the ball.

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While some seemed to applaud the right-back, others broke into chants of 'There's only one Conor Bradley', referencing the Reds youngster, who is viewed by many as Alexander-Arnold's most likely successor.

While Bradley is still stepping up his fitness after a recent injury, confirmed that Alexander-Arnold's decision to move on was a factor in his team selection, telling : "The fact that he's leaving, of course, that is one of the reason's to play Conor. But not the reaction [to Alexander-Arnold's decision to leave] if that would have crossed my mind maybe I wouldn't have taken him into the squad.

"People expect from me that I bring a squad that has a good chance to win the game: the fans want this, the players that are in the dressing room want to win. I have to select the players that are able to do so. If Conor is not ready to play 90 [minutes] then I am really happy that I can bring on Trent if needed."

When the Dutchman was then asked if he felt Alexander-Arnold would receive a positive reception from Liverpool fans, he replied: "It's difficult for me; I think everybody at Liverpool has a different opinion about that.

"There are probably fans who say we have to give him what he deserves in terms of what he has done for this club and there are fans who are a bit more negative about him leaving the club, so I don't know how they will react.

"What I do know is that the best way to help us, to help the team, is to be there for everyone who wears a Liverpool shirt."

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