Some football supporters were quick to suggest that Alexis Mac Allister had aimed a pointed gesture at Trent Alexander-Arnold during Liverpool’s win over Real Madrid, after the midfielder celebrated his decisive goal at Anfield with a sign long associated with his former teammate.
The discussion gained momentum online within minutes, turning the Argentine’s celebration into one of the talking points of a night overshadowed by emotion, hostility and an awkward homecoming.
Alexander-Arnold returned to Anfield for the first time since leaving his boyhood club for Real Madrid in the summer.
The 27-year-old had been a defining figure in Liverpool’s modern resurgence and remains an iconic figure to many.
Any prospect of nostalgia or warm recognition dissolved quickly, however.
The moment he appeared from the tunnel, he was met not with applause but with prolonged boos from a large portion of the 60,000 inside the stadium.
A mural of the defender had also been vandalised in the build-up to the match, a further sign of the complexity and, in some cases, bitterness surrounding his exit.
The evening only grew more difficult for the full-back. Liverpool, who played with intensity and clarity, secured a fully deserved 1-0 win.
Liverpool are looking to win a seventh Champions League crown this season
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Alexis Mac Allister was seen performing an 'A' gesture after scoring for Liverpool against Real Madrid
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Mac Allister rose above Real’s defence in the 61st minute to head past Thibaut Courtois and give Arne Slot’s side control of the match.
It was a moment of conviction, and his celebration drew immediate scrutiny.
The midfielder formed the letter A with his fingers, a gesture regularly used by Alexander-Arnold during his years at Liverpool.
The celebration itself is not exclusive to him, however. It has been used by players across several leagues for different personal reasons.
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Trent Alexander-Arnold came off the bench in Real Madrid's Champions League defeat to LIverpool
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The gesture has been linked to tributes to individuals, to youth outreach groups and to private meanings never explained publicly.
Jack Grealish, Ross Barkley, Dele Alli, Gareth Bale and Lautaro Martínez are among those who have performed it in the past.
Nevertheless, many fans were convinced it was a barbed message aimed directly at Alexander-Arnold, who at that point was sitting on the bench.
One supporter wrote: “Alexis Mac Allister is a SAVAGE. The Liverpool star really celebrated using Trent Alexander-Arnold’s celebration after scoring vs his Real Madrid. Some way to welcome him back.”
Another added: “Mac Allister really pulled out Trent’s celebration after scoring against his team.”
A third said: “Alexis Mac Allister pulled off Trent’s celebration when he was watching on the bench for Madrid.”
Others criticised the midfielder as “classless” and “shameless.”
Alexis Mac Allister was outstanding as Liverpool beat Real Madrid
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Alexander-Arnold was introduced late in the match, replacing Arda Guler in the 82nd minute.
The booing resumed, though there was no visible response from the defender on the pitch.
After the match, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was asked whether he had greeted his former teammate. His answer was a short “No.”
Yet Alexander-Arnold had spoken calmly and respectfully before the match. Speaking to Amazon Prime, he said: “Whichever way I am received is the decision of the fans. I will always love the club, I will always be a fan of the club.
“I will always be thankful for the opportunities and the things that we achieved together will live with me forever.
“My feelings will not change towards Liverpool. I have memories there that will last a lifetime and no matter how I am received that will not change.”