Trent Alexander-Arnold breaks down in tears during Liverpool's trophy parade

Trent Alexander-Arnold turned on the waterworks for the second straight day as Liverpool celebrated their 20th Premier League title with an open-top bus parade on Monday.

The departing defender was in tears during his side's trophy celebrations the day before, after suiting up in red for one last time, drawing the curtains on his 20-year tenure at Anfield.

Liverpool were crowned champions at the end of April in Arne Slot's first season in charge, but had to wait until the final game of the season to physically get their hands on the trophy.

Virgil van Dijk lifted the silverware at Anfield in front of a packed crowd, and the Reds players and staff took to the streets of Liverpool on Monday as thousands lined the paths and roads.

But vice-captain Alexander-Arnold's tears did not garner sympathy from every Liverpool fan, with some on social media accusing him of acting.

Despite the right back receiving a warm farewell in his final game, there has been widespread anger surrounding the nature of his exit as a free agent, which culminated in him being booed in front of the Liverpool home crowd against Arsenal earlier this month.

On Monday, Alexander-Arnold was consoled by team-mate Mohamed Salah, as he took in the love from Liverpool fans one last time.

Salah put his arm around the 26-year-old, with Dominik Szoboszlai also comforting his colleague.

But Alexander-Arnold's emotions were met with backlash by fans on social media, with one accusing him of letting out 'crocodile tears'.

One fan on X wrote: 'Not those crocodile tears again.'

'Attention seeker if you ask me,' scoffed another.

A third added: 'Don’t think he gives a f***, just taking it all in for the last time the little rat.'

A fourth commented: 'He's a really good actor.'

Liverpool's players - who were out partying until midnight - were be greeted by thousands of supporters on Monday, with Crewe station lined with chanting supporters trying to get on a train to attend.

After Liverpool's 20th league title was added to their champions wall, fans started to arrive for the celebrations, already donning flares, balloons, and climbing traffic lights.

Some supporters stood outside the Shankly Gates as the awaited the start of the parade, some two hours out from its beginning.

It was an abysmal day in the city, but that didn't stop the fans turning out in their numbers.

Confetti fell from the sky as the team continued to make its way through the city, marshalled by a group of police as fans chased them along the path.

Liverpool's bus for the parade was lined with the word 'champions', with an image of the Premier League trophy and the word's 'ours again' also included.

Flares are understood not to have been allowed on an number of trains around the city, but that didn't stop fans letting them off as the parade passed.

Cody Gakpo once again donned his shades with a sideways cap, and Ibrahima Konate led one dance as the bus continued to make its way down the route.

Reds owner John W Henry wrapped up as he took his spot on the bus, potentially questioning the British weather.

As more and more fans arrived, Alexander-Arnold was seen stood up with his arms out at the back of the bus, with Dominik Szoboszlai, wet hair drooping down his face, holding an inflatable trophy.

Gakpo then took it upon himself to show off Liverpool's custom WWE belt, standing high as he held it above his head.

Players took it in turns to lift up the trophy - some held up by others atop the bus. The rain continued to fall, fans continued to wave their flags. Some were situated behind barriers and had signs as a means of passing on their congratulations to the players.

The parade followed a 10-mile route. It started at Allerton Maze, heading north along Queens Drive in a similar route to the one used in 2019 - when the Reds won their last league title.