Liverpool began their Champions League campaign with a dramatic 3-2 win against Atlético Madrid at Anfield. It was courtesy of Virgil van Dijk’s stoppage-time winner. While the drama on the field was memorable, another familiar sound rang out before kick-off.
It was the boos from the home fans during the Champions League anthem. This has become a defining pre-match ritual for Liverpool supporters in Europe. The reasons are deeply rooted in their relationship with UEFA and the traumatic events surrounding the 2022 Champions League final in Paris.
Ahead of that final against Real Madrid, thousands of Liverpool fans were left stranded outside the Stade de France. It was due to chaotic organisation and bottlenecks at entry points. Many fans were tear-gassed by the French police, while UEFA initially blamed ‘late arrivals’ and ‘ticketless supporters’ in their statements which was later widely condemned as inaccurate.
An independent review later concluded that UEFA bore ‘primary responsibility’ for the near-disaster. The governing body has since apologised. However, it seems the scars remain fresh among Liverpool fans. They view the anthem as a symbol of UEFA’s failures and disregard for their safety. Booing it is their way of making sure the incident is not forgotten.
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The boos have not been confined to Anfield. Liverpool fans were heard doing the same during European ties in 2023 and 2024. It often drowned out the anthem entirely. For many, it is less about the music itself. It’s more about a protest against what they see as institutional negligence and accountability gaps within European football’s leadership.
Liverpool have previously suffered tragic losses due to mistakes from authority. The tragic Hillsborough disaster took away the lives of ninety-seven fans. So, the Reds today do not forget and forgive such negligence. It has been evident year after year with the boos during the Champions League anthem.
For now, the anthem protest continues alongside Liverpool’s on-pitch ambitions. Fresh from their opening win, Arne Slot’s side turn their focus to the Merseyside derby against Everton this weekend. They will play two more games following that Premier League clash before travelling to Galatasaray for Matchday Two at the end of the month.
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