Liverpool fans broke tradition to boo Jordan Pickford during Merseyside derby

Liverpool fans broke tradition when they booed Jordan Pickford during the Merseyside derby.

Mohamed Salah scored two late goals to help Liverpool claim a 2-0 win over city rivals Everton, who had Ashley Young sent off in the first half for two bookable offences.

Liverpool finally found the breakthrough goal in the 74th minute when Salah converted from the spot while the Egyptian doubled his tally in stoppage time.

Elsewhere, ahead of the second half, Liverpool fans broke tradition by booing Pickford as he made his way to his goal.

Indeed, Anfield is well-known for applauding opposing goalkeepers as they run out towards the Kop.

It’s a long-standing tradition that has been noted by the likes of Aaron Ramsdale and Iker Casillas and dates back to Bill Shankly’s time as Liverpool manager in the Sixties.

Statistician Dave Ball recalled to This is Anfield in 2020: “I always remember the game after England had won the World Cup in 1966, Liverpool played Everton in the Charity Shield and then the first game here (at Anfield) was in the league against Leicester City.

“Gordon Banks was in the Leicester goal, and I think Shankly had sent him out early doors to take the cheers from the Kop and everything. But when he came out to face Liverpool, the Kop went absolutely ballistic. That was the first time I had ever seen the Kop react the way they did.

“Some people say it did happen in the ’50s and ’60s, but I’ve spoken to people and they don’t really remember, but I certainly remember it was the Gordon Banks one. He was a great person on Merseyside, he was loved by the Kopites.”

However, Pickford, England’s current No.1, did not receive the same hero’s welcome as his Three Lions predecessor, Gordan Banks.

This is easily explained. Pickford did not clap the Kop himself.

Therefore, the crowd’s applause turned into jeers upon Pickford failing to return their show of respect.

In truth, it is probably no surprise given the Everton shot-stopper’s chequered past with his local rivals.

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