05 May 2023 , 09:07
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Liverpool will play the national anthem before Saturday's game against Brentford - but have issued a "personal choice" to fans about whether they want to sing it.
The Reds can secure their sixth successive victory in the Premier League this weekend and will be hoping to move closer to those prized Champions League places. They sit four points behind fourth-place Manchester United, who were beaten 1-0 at Brighton on Thursday.
Before the game, Liverpool are set to mark a series of special events. In September 2022, the city was selected to host the Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine. Liverpool will celebrate that achievement and include a special section in the matchday programme, where Jurgen Klopp provides support for the competition.
Alongside this, in recognition of the Premier League's request to mark King Charles III's coronation, players and officials will congregate around the centre circle when the national anthem will be played. However, Liverpool added that "it is, of course, a personal choice how those at Anfield on Saturday mark this occasion".
They also recognise that some Liverpool fans have strong views on the matter, with the King's Coronation set to take place at Westminster Abbey at 11am - and last the majority of the day. During the ceremony, the King will be crowned alongside Camilla, the Queen Consort.
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This comes a year after Liverpool fans booed the national anthem before the FA Cup final against Chelsea. There are a multitude of reasons why Reds supporters jeer 'God Save the King' - and that has traced itself back since the 1980s.
Liverpool fans booed the national anthem vs Chelsea at Wembley. (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images) (John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)The Conservative government's decline of the city was then followed by the treatment after the Hillsborough disaster, which further instigated their ill feelings. A flag regularly spotted at Anfield reads ''scouse not English' and is most likely on display at most matches.
Lastly, the final occasion Liverpool will mark at their game against Brentford is to celebrate the work of the club's foundation. The reason behind that read on Liverpool's club website: "Through matchday assets, supporters can learn more about the impactful work of LFC Foundation.
"There will be a special LFC Foundation matchday programme cover and dedicated content, fun activities with community coaches in the fan park, and young participants at half-time will reveal the total amount raised from the two most recent legends charity matches.
"LEDs will display LFC Foundation messaging and fans will have the opportunity to see a celebration of 20 years of the charity on TV displays around the stadium along with donation points."
Liverpool can move to within a point of United with a win over Brentford. They continued their remarkable up-turn in form by beating Fulham on Wednesday thanks to Mohamed Salah's first-half penalty.