Andy Robertson refuses to defend Trent Alexander-Arnold after brutal Liverpool booing

was in no mood to lecture the fans who booed Trent Alexander-Arnold during their game against Arsenal. The right-back to replace Conor Bradley in the second half. He was making his first appearance at Anfield since confirming that he will be leaving the Reds at the end of the season.

There was plenty of frustration in the stands when Alexander-Arnold entered the pitch, with many Liverpool fans still unhappy about his impending departure. He is widely expected to sign a five-year contract with in advance of next season. His first touch of the ball was met with a chorus of boos, drowning out the pockets of applause.

Robertson, who is good friends with Alexander-Arnold, was quizzed on the hostile reception after the final whistle. He made it clear that he did not have the right to tell people what to think about certain situations or how they should react to them.

"I'm disappointed to lose a good friend, he's an amazing player and an amazing person," said Robertson on Sky Sports. "He has pushed me through and made me a better player. His legacy will always be there, he's done so much for this club.

"He will be missed for me as one of my best friends in the game. We've done it all together. He's took me to levels I never knew existed. It hasn't been an easy one for Trent but he has made the decision.

"It was not nice to see him get booed but you can't tell people how to feel. That's how I feel about it and I'm not going to tell anyone else how to feel about it."

Robertson grabbed the assist for 's opening goal, firing an inch-perfect cross which Cody Gakpo converted to put the Reds in front. As the players walked down the tunnel at half-time, he was congratulated by a smiling Alexander-Arnold.

Reflecting on the interaction, Robertson said: "We're always delighted for each other with assists and contributing. It has been a huge part of our game. We're always looking out for each other and it was nice to see him coming up to me for once."

boss was also quizzed on the angry response to Alexander-Arnold's introduction, with the Dutch manager adopting a similar stance to Robertson.

"The good thing about living in Europe is everyone can have their opinion," he said. "There were people who were happy with him, there were people that were not so happy with him. They clapped for him, some booed.

"Everybody is allowed their opinion and towards the end more and more people got more positive. For me, it is simple. I owe it to the fans to play a team that can win the match. Trent showed why I brought him in because he had two or three incredible balls.

"For the fans, they can always have the reaction they want but I will always back the players I lead and the ones that wear the red shirt. I will back them no matter what."