Jude Bellingham has accused Liverpool fans of 'trying to throw Trent Alexander-Arnold off' by booing the 27-year-old during Tuesday night's Champions League clash.
Liverpool beat Real Madrid 1-0 at Anfield, with Alexis Mac Allister heading home the only goal of the game following a fine delivery from Dominik Szoboszlai.
It was a difficult night for Alexander-Arnold, with the former Liverpool star booed and jeered when his name was read out before the match.
Furthermore, he was granted just nine minutes on the pitch after being overlooked for a starting berth by manager Xabi Alonso.
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Bellingham fronted up after the defeat and, when asked about Alexander-Arnold, suggested Liverpool fans wanted to make things as uncomfortable as possible for their former right-back.
"Obviously, it is one of those things in football. The fans booing isn't a reflection of how they feel about him," he told Amazon Prime.
"I think it is more to give their team the edge and throw him off a little bit.
"I am sure they're appreciative of what he has done for the club. It is one of those things."
Liverpool and Real Madrid are chasing Champions League glory this season
|PA/GETTY
Jude Bellingham has accused Liverpool fans of 'trying to throw Trent Alexander-Arnold off' by booing the 27-year-old during Tuesday night's Champions League clash
|GETTY/PA
Bellingham also addressed Madrid's defeat, acknowledging that they weren't at their best.
"I think the scoreline reflects the game," added the England international, who played the full 90 minutes.
"They slightly edged it in the second half they brought a bit more.
"Second half, their momentum took over and they edged it.
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Trent Alexander-Arnold got just nine minutes as Liverpool beat Real Madrid at Anfield | REUTERS"After they scored, it felt like we wanted to force things a little too much.
"Things to learn, still really early in the season and still early in the Champions League campaign. We were a lot worse off last season and still managed to get through."
Madrid boss Alonso also spoke after the match and admitted that Alexander-Arnold's hostile reception was always bound to happen.
"Well, it could be expected," he said.
"He was focused and wanted to be part of it. So first time. He has challenges for him - it is new experience.
"Step by step, but we are happy we have him."
As for Liverpool boss Arne Slot, the Dutchman said he spoke briefly with Alexander-Arnold after the game - but kept details to a minimum.
“Only shortly afterwards. I gave him a hug, I don’t even exactly know what I said, but probably not a lot," he stated.
Liverpool beat Real Madrid 1-0 with Alexis Mac Allister scoring the only goal of the game | PA“Every time I meet him, I will either give him a hug or talk to him because he’s been very special to me as a player and as a human being.”
Slot also praised Liverpool fans for creating a raucous atmosphere to help his players produce the goods.
“I was impressed by the atmosphere throughout the whole 90 minutes, even before the game," added the 47-year-old.
“I think the fans helped us over 90 minutes, and not only the time when Trent was on the pitch.”
Both sides won't have too long to wait until they're back in action. Liverpool will face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday (4.30pm) hoping to get their title challenge back on track.
As for Madrid, they'll face Rayo Vallecano on the same day (3.15pm).