Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to leave Liverpool on a free transfer this summer and has been booed by angry fans who believe he is disloyal ahead of an expected move to Real Madrid
Dwight Yorke has accused Jamie Carragher of "stirring up" Liverpool fans by criticising Trent Alexander-Arnold's decision to leave Anfield, insisting the Sky Sports pundit doesn't understand the allure of being chased by Real Madrid. The 26-year-old angered Liverpool supporters by revealing he was leaving his boyhood club last week, with many claiming he was disloyal.
The right-back felt the wrath of those home supporters at Anfield on Sunday after being booed as he was brought on as a substitute during the team's 2-2 draw against Arsenal.
Supporters aimed two digs at Alexander-Arnold as they sang chants of "There's only one Conor Bradley", in reference to the academy prospect who is set to succeed him long-term, while fans also sang their iconic song about Steven Gerrard to goad him.
Liverpool legend Carragher has sympathised with fans who are frustrated with Alexander-Arnold as he previously admitted supporters have every right to be disappointed that a home-grown star has left the club.
"Would Manchester United have been happy to see Ryan Giggs or Paul Scholes leave in their prime for Real Madrid? How would Arsenal fans feel if Bukayo Saka said he wants to fulfil a lifetime ambition to wear the white shirt in the Bernabeu?
"Players are loved even more when they genuinely mean it when they say they do not want to play for anyone else. If that image of the home-grown talent living the dream is an illusion, people feel let down."
Carragher also said Alexander-Arnold did not deserve a send-off at Liverpool - but criticised fans for booing him against Arsenal. However, Former United star Yorke believes the ex-centre-back has provoked supporters with his comments and brutally claimed he was never good enough to play for Real Madrid.
"I can see why fans are disappointed, but Trent Alexander-Arnold has been a great servant to the club, people seem to have forgotten that. We know how football works. When it comes to Jamie Carragher, he has his views, but I think sometimes he can get it wrong," he told Poker Scout. I think he has stirred things up with Liverpool fans.
"Had Real Madrid come in for Carragher, who knows what would’ve happened. Obviously we know he wasn’t in the same bracket of player, even though he was a one-club. We all know the level he was at.
"But after 20 years, why can’t Alexander-Arnold go and find a new challenge? Why can’t he go to Real Madrid and improve himself as a player with more experience? When players go the other way it’s never a problem, that’s what I don’t understand."
Alexander-Arnold is understood to have agreed terms with Real Madrid - but the La Liga side want to sign him before his contract with Liverpool expires in order to play him in the Club World Cup, meaning they may have to pay a small fee.
The England international has played a total of 353 times for the Reds, winning every trophy available to him - including two Premier League titles and the Champions League.