Liverpool will play national anthem to mark coronation despite booing fears

Some Liverpool fans booed the national anthem before last season’s FA Cup final at Wembley

(Getty Images)

Liverpool will play the national anthem ahead of their Premier League fixture against Brentford on Saturday to mark the coronation of King Charles III.

The Premier League last Friday sent an email stating they “strongly suggest all clubs” mark the coronation of King Charles III with “suggested activations”, which Liverpool felt left them little choice but to fall in line.

The Anfield club have decided to play ‘God Save The King’ ahead of their 5.30pm match with Brentford, with players set to congregate around the centre circle, despite vocal opposition from supporters’ groups given the general republican sentiment.

Liverpool’s view is that they would otherwise be criticised for being the only club to “disrespect” the occasion, and it is better to leave it to the personal choice of how every individual fan reacts. There is also the feeling within the club that the language used in the Premier League’s message requested compliance.

The Premier League are meanwhile insistent it was not an edict or a mandate, and it was still down to individual clubs what they choose to do.

One argument is that the general national atmosphere would have meant every club faces a choice on what to do even if they hadn’t sent a circular, which would have left Liverpool facing the same choice. The Premier League consequently felt it was better to suggest potential activities.

The Premier League’s suggestions, while in consultation with DCMS, include playing the national anthem ahead of kick-off, with players and match officials set to surround the centre circle.

The official coronation portrait of the king and queen consort may also be shown on the big screens at stadiums.

Clubs may also look to include an article in their matchday programmes to mark the occasion.

Liverpool feel there is a considerable difference in tone between “suggest” and “strongly suggest”. One counter-argument has been that it will just lead to a mass show of dissent that will go global, that could run against the Premier League’s marketing aims.