Liverpool fans have once again booed the English National Anthem at Wembley.
Reds fans could be heard attempting to drown out the traditional rendition of God Save the Queen, which this year was sung by Croydon singer RAYE, ahead of Saturday's FA Cup final with Chelsea.
Booing could also be heard during the singing of hymn Abide With Me, which has been sung at the showpiece event ever since 1927, the same year Cardiff City lifted the trophy.
Both incidents caught the attention of several journalists. Miguel Delaney of The Independent wrote: "Not sure why some in the Liverpool end were loudly booing 'Abide with me' at the start. It isn't the national anthem, it isn't a state symbol, it's just a nice solemn hymn that is part of the tradition". The Mail On Sunday's Ollie Holt added: "Liverpool fans booing Abide with Me, for some reason".
It's not quite clear why so many fans decided to boo Abide With Me, but Liverpool's disdain for the national anthem and the British establishment has been well documented. There were similar scenes ahead of the Carabao Cup final, which was also contested by Liverpool and Chelsea, and many people from the city do not associate themselves with the anthem.
According to the Liverpool Echo : "The Conservative government's 'managed decline' of the city was then followed by the failings of the government following the Hillsborough disaster further entrenched those feelings. A flag regularly spotted at Anfield reads ‘scouse not English’ and will most likely be on display at most games."
"While in recent years, the people of Merseyside feel they continue to be let down by the state and believe the foodbanks outside Anfield and Goodison is evidence of widening inequalities. The frosty relationship between city and country also translates to the English national team, with many Liverpudlians not supporting England during major tournaments like the Euros or the World Cup."
