Liverpool fans have booed the Champions League anthem primarily as a protest directed at UEFA, not a rejection of the song itself or the competition. The roots go back to the events surrounding the 2022 Champions League final in Paris, where there were chaotic scenes and questions about safety and organisation. An independent review and subsequent apologies from UEFA intensified the focus on UEFA’s handling of the final, and many Liverpool supporters view the anthem as a symbol of UEFA’s failures and the perceived erosion of fans’ safety and experience in European football. Over time, this sentiment has persisted, turning the pre-match anthem into a ritual of protest for some Reds fans, especially at home European fixtures. Key background points:
- The 2022 Paris final controversy is widely cited as the flashpoint for anger toward UEFA. Supporters felt the organization bore primary responsibility for the chaotic build-up and safety concerns, which left a lasting negative association with UEFA and by extension its branding, including the anthem. This framing is repeatedly referenced in contemporary reporting and fan commentary.
- UEFA eventually apologised, but the scars linger for many Liverpool supporters, who continue to interpret the anthem as a reminder of those failures and of UEFA’s handling of fan safety and match organisation. The booing is thus less about the musical piece and more about accountability and memory of the incident.
- The phenomenon has recurred in multiple recent campaigns, with reports noting that the boos often accompany anti-UEFA banners or chants, reinforcing the activist nature of the gesture on European nights at Anfield.
If you’d like, I can pull in the latest specific matchday reports or fan quotes to illustrate how the message has evolved in the current season, or summarize how clubs and UEFA have responded to this ongoing protest.
