Boos echoed through the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool as boxing enthusiasts expressed their disapproval during the renditions of the British national anthem God Save the Queen
The lively crowd of around 7,500 spectators was particularly vocal as hometown favorite Natasha Jonas geared up to defend her IBF welterweight championship against Mikaela Mayer.
Liverpool crowd boos “God Save the Queen” national anthem during Mikaela Mayer vs Natasha Jones at the M&S Bank Arena
The 39-year-old Jonas, renowned as Miss Team GB from her inspiring performances at the London 2012 Olympics, grappled with a conflicted expression as boos reverberated through the arena.
Crowd Starting Booing
While the Liverpool crowd enthusiastically cheered for Jonas, the cheers were overshadowed by the loud jeers that accompanied the singing of God Save the King and the Star Spangled Banner before the fight.
This trend of booing the British national anthem in Liverpool dates back to the 1980s during the Conservative government’s “managed decline” of the city.
The disapproval expressed by the crowd also stems from the government’s perceived failures in the aftermath of the Hillsborough Disaster, which claimed the lives of 97 Liverpool fans.
Notably, during the coronation of King Charles III, God Save the King faced similar boos when Liverpool hosted Brentford in May. In the recent bout between Jonas and Mayer, the Liverpool crowd did not hold back, jeering both the US and British anthems.
Mayer became the first to witness her national anthem being greeted with disapproval, as boos and whistles filled the arena during the Star Spangled Banner. The disapproving atmosphere persisted during the rendition of God Save the King.
Social Media Criticized
Initial criticism emerged on social media, with some fans expressing disappointment at the anthem booing. One supporter admitted feeling conflicted, stating, “I feel bad now. Definitely wanted Jonas to win but all that anthem booing just makes you want to support Mayer instead.”
Another commentator pointed out the booing during the Jonas/Mayer fight, while IBF world champion boxer Ellie Scotney took to Twitter to condemn the actions, describing boos at a national anthem as “disgusting.”
However, once the anthem-related disapproval subsided, the arena witnessed a shift in energy, with the entire crowd rallying behind Jonas, creating an electric atmosphere for the rest of the fight.
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