Liverpool has agreed to play the national anthem, “God Save the King,” ahead of its matchup with Brentford on Saturday. The decision to play the anthem revolves around the coronation of King Charles III. Premier League officials contacted clubs this week to ask them to play the song prior to games this weekend.

The Merseyside club confirmed its decision on Friday. “Before kick-off and in recognition of the Premier League’s request to mark the coronation, players and officials will congregate around the centre circle when the national anthem will be played,” Liverpool said in an official statement. “It is, of course, a personal choice how those at Anfield on Saturday mark this occasion and we know some supporters have strong views on it.”

Klopp remains neutral on topic

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was asked about the move during his press conference. “The club’s position is my position. I said a couple of times, this is definitely a subject I cannot have a proper opinion about,” claimed Klopp.

“I am from Germany, we don’t have a king or queen. I’m 55 years old and have no experience with that. It’s a nice thing. The [royal] weddings are a nice thing to watch in Germany. I’m sure a lot will watch [the coronation] in this country, some will not like it and that’s it. That’s all I can say about that.”

Liverpool citizens have strong feelings about UK government

Despite the decision to play “God Save the King,” Liverpool supporters are not expected to join in on singing the anthem. The Daily Mail suggested the Liverpool fans could either boo the song or sing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” instead.

People in Liverpool have had a contentious relationship with the royal family and the government for quite some time. This reached an apex during prime minister Margaret Thatcher’s reign in the 1980s. The conservative leader was unresponsive to the industrial decline in Liverpool at the time. As a result, poverty struck the city. In fact, Thatcher even privately considered leaving Liverpool in a “managed decline.”

Liverpool fans previously booed the national anthem prior to the FA Cup Final matchup with Chelsea last May. It would seem highly likely that the club’s supporters will repeat the action this Saturday.

PHOTO: IMAGO / Propaganda Photo