Table of Contents
- Mac Allister's Mockery?
- The Decisive Goal
- The Celebration Gesture
- Fan Reception and Comments
- Alexander-Arnold's Response
FANS were convinced that Alexis Mac Allister mocked Trent Alexander-Arnold upon his return to Liverpool.
TAA, 27, made his first appearance back at Anfield since leaving his childhood club for Real Madrid in the summer.
Alexis Mac Allister scored the only goal as Liverpool defeated Real MadridCredit: Reuters
It was a challenging night for Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: Getty
However, it turned into a nightmare evening for the full-back, who was mercilessly booed by his former fans.
Mac Allister netted the only goal of the match shortly after the hour mark.
The Reds midfielder powered a header past Thibaut Courtois in the 61st minute, providing Arne Slot’s team with a well-deserved Champions League victory.
Some believed the Argentine took a harsh jab at his former teammate after scoring.
Mac Allister, 26, performed the ‘A’ celebration, forming the letter with his fingers.
TAA frequently executed the same gesture while scoring for Liverpool; however, it is a common celebration that has been used for many years and is certainly not exclusive to the Real Madrid and England player.
This gesture is thought to have originated in the early 2000s as a reference to the A-Star organization established by Fitz Hall and Andrew Johnson to combat youth violence, with Micah Richards and even Titus Bramble among those who have used it.
Jack Grealish, Mason Greenwood, Ross Barkley, and Ben Chilwell have all seemingly employed it to pay tribute to individuals whose names begin with A.
Moreover, the likes of Gareth Bale, Dele Alli, and Lautaro Martinez have performed the gesture for unclear reasons as well.
Nonetheless, many fans on social media were convinced that Mac Allister’s gesture was a playful dig directed at TAA.
One user remarked: “Alexis Mac Allister is a SAVAGE… The Liverpool star really celebrated using Trent Alexander-Arnold’s celebration after scoring against Real Madrid… what a way to welcome him back! There’s no love from the Reds for TAA.”
Another commented: “Mac Allister really pulled out Trent Alexander-Arnold’s celebration after scoring against his team.”
A third user noted: “He performed Trent’s celebration while watching from the bench for Madrid.”
And a final user stated: “Alexis Mac Allister is shamelessly mocking Trent Alexander-Arnold’s goal celebration. Classless.”
Alexander-Arnold was brought on for Arda Guler as a substitute in the 82nd minute.
He was met with a chorus of boos from the majority of the 60,000 home supporters at Anfield.
‘NO’
A mural of the defender was also vandalized ahead of the match.
When asked about Alexander-Arnold’s reception and whether he had the opportunity to speak with his former teammate, the Dutchman simply replied: “No.”
However, speaking to Amazon Prime before the match, Alexander-Arnold displayed his professionalism.
He stated: “How I’m received is up to the fans.
“I will always love the club; I will always be a supporter of the club.
“I will always be grateful for the opportunities, and the achievements we shared will stay with me forever. My feelings towards Liverpool won’t change.
“I have memories there that will last a lifetime, and regardless of how I’m received, that won’t change.”
Mac Allister performed the ‘A’ celebrationCredit: Getty
Alexander-Arnold performed the same gesture to celebrate his goals for LiverpoolCredit: Getty
