Boris Johnson dubs it a 'great shame' that Liverpool fans booed national anthem at FA Cup final

Boris Johnson dubs it a 'great shame' that Liverpool fans booed national anthem at FA Cup final
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Max Parry

By Max Parry


Published: 16/05/2022

- 14:01

Updated: 14/02/2023

- 11:25

Liverpool supporters could also be heard jeering Prince William prior to kick off

The Prime Minster has condemned Liverpool supporters for booing God Save The Queen prior to Saturday's FA Cup final against Chelsea.

Boris Johnson's official spokesman said the behaviour of the Liverpool fans was a "great shame".


Prince William was also booed by Reds' fans prior to their shootout win over Thomas Tuchel's side.

The spokesman was questioned about Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp's comments on the issue, in which he asked: "In this situation the best question is ‘why does this happen?’ The people do not do it for no reason. Maybe we should ask this question?"

The spokesman said Mr Johnson did not share Mr Klopp's view.

"It was a great shame that as we were marking 150 years of the FA Cup, an event that brings people together, that a small minority chose to act in that way," the spokesman said.

Liverpool supporters, who went on to watch their side win their second trophy of the season, jeered during the singer-songwriter RAYE’s rendition of God Save The Queen as well as Abide With Me - the traditional FA Cup final anthem.

The booing received criticism from both sides of the House of Commons and came weeks before the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

Sir Lindsay Hoyle told The Mail on Sunday: "I utterly condemn any fans who booed Prince William at Wembley.

"The FA Cup final should be an occasion when we come together as a country.

"It should not be ruined by a minority of fans’ totally shameful behaviour. In this year of all years – the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – this is dreadful."

Lib Dem leader, Sir Ed Davey said: "We have the most wonderful Monarch and those fans who booed do not represent their clubs or our country."

The Duke of Cambridge presents Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold with his medal after winning the Emirates FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium, London.
The Duke of Cambridge presents Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold with his medal after winning the Emirates FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium, London.
Adam Davy

Soccer Football - FA Cup - Final - Chelsea v Liverpool - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - May 14, 2022 A Liverpool fan holds a flare in the stands Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
A Liverpool fan holds up a flare during the FA Cup final at Wembley.
PETER CZIBORRA

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