Vandals Label Alexander-Arnold a ‘Rat’ on Mural Ahead of Liverpool Return

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s mural near Anfield has been vandalised ahead of his return to face Liverpool with Real Madrid in the Champions League.

The 27-year-old defender will face his boyhood club for the first time since leaving on a free transfer, with tensions already brewing among some supporters.

The mural, which celebrates Alexander-Arnold’s role in Liverpool’s 2019 Champions League triumph, was defaced early Tuesday with white paint. Vandals scrawled the words “Rat not welcome” and “Adios el rata” (“Goodbye, rat”) across the artwork, which adorns the side of a house close to the stadium.

By midday, workers were seen attempting to remove the paint from the mural.

The incident highlights the likelihood of a hostile reception at Anfield when Real Madrid take on Liverpool this evening. Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave the club angered many fans, and he faced boos during his first match following the announcement in May.

The mural features a quote from Alexander-Arnold:

“I’m just a normal lad from Liverpool whose dream has just come true.”

It was commissioned by The Anfield Rap podcast and also acknowledges the food poverty charity Fans Supporting Foodbanks, which the defender has supported.