This has been one hell of a season. Our disappointments on the pitch have been matched only by off-field problems and the piling on of the media and our rivals. At times it has been hard to watch. Despite these difficult times, there remain moments where I find myself filled with that perfect mixture of utter disbelief and pure joy. Times where I can't believe my eyes just saw what they did. This is why we watch. This is what makes it all worth it. While the negativity continues to mount and the campaign to discredit our manager and our players reaches a fever pitch in the media I thought it might be helpful to step back and share some of these moments with the community. I hope others will chime in and share some of their favorite moments on the pitch or off from this campaign. Here goes mine. Liverpool entered the fixture at Ewood Park without our world-class keeper Pepe Reina. There have been 183 premier league fixtures since Liverpool last began a match without Pepe in the starting eleven. The squad looked intent on sending a message with a blistering start that found them ahead 2-nil an errant back pass turned the match on its head. Our back up keeper would be sent off and Blackburn found themselves with a chance from the penalty spot to pull themselves back into the match. Relegated to third in pecking order at keeper, Brad Jones whose last appearance was an embarrassing 2-0 defeat to Bristol City in April 2011 was sent on to mind the net. Yet, for Liverpool supporters Brad is not thought of as the backup keeper who has only managed to string together a handful of underwhelming appearances in Liverpool career. He is known by supporters as a father who has faced unimaginable adversity in the loss of his son Luca who died of leukemia in November. The club, as it has always done in the face of tragedy, did everything it could to support Brad, Luca, and their family. As Brad made his way to the goal to take his position and face Yakubu's penalty the Liverpool supporters behind the net did not show a bit of anxiety. Rather, Jones was met with an outpouring of support. With Jones first touch of the ball in a year of first team play he kept out Yakubu’s penalty. Emerging with the ball in hand, Jones pointed to the heavens as a wave of noise washed down from the supporters section. The match would go on to highlight the squad’s vulnerabilities and Jones would show signs of rustiness. Still I will remember last night not for the errors and frustrating mistakes. No. I will remember last night for that magical moment. When a father who had experienced the incredible loss of his son beat the odds and held out Yak’s penalty attempt with his very first touch of the ball. I will remember the confidence inspiring support he received from the Liverpool end. And I will always remember Jones standing tall with his finger pointed above. It was a moment that transcends sports and I am so damn proud to be a part of this club where magic like this is such an integral part of our history.
I can never forget this campaign. October 15, 2011, was my first match at Anfield. We've discussed it often, Evra/Suarez, Part I. More than just the match, I was overwhelmed by the hospitality and friendliness of the Liverpool supporters we met (many of which are from the City itself). From splitting cabs, getting walking directions, talking soccer in the street outside Anfield with an actual glass of beer in your hand, countless good spirited jabs about 'Dorothy Gale' (I am from Kansas City), or heading out to catch a bird with some locals, Liverpudlians were sincere, classy, and kind. Above all, Liverpudlians made me feel like I was home in a way I have never felt in previous international travels. You can accuse me of romanticizing or being some odd-duck fanboy; however, when your LFC cab mates (total strangers) get out of their taxi and walk you over to whatever the heck you were looking for in the City's center -- I just don't know what else there is to say about a place and its people.... I don't mention this because I think I am special or the above is unique. I believe my experience to be one facet of the Liverpool Way, and I couldn't have been happier. It shouldn't matter, but I have to admit it gave/gives me added perspective for 96 people who did not come home from that FA match years ago. And, I am not surprised in the least when I see how LFC rallies around its own. Perhaps this year hasnt been the best played, but I cannot deny how fortunate am I, that years ago LFC were the first club to ever make me truly smile. As Bill Shankly said, "You feel as if you're a member of a big society where you've got thousands of friends all round about you." YNWA
Great post Koprules. I am glad you had such a great experience. I hope to be able to make my pilgrimage soon enough. For now, I will have to settle for Baltimore.
This morning I learned of the passing of a friend. I post this here because this is about why we love football and what makes true supporters different. Tonight DC United will be playing and there will be a minute of silence in the 12th minute to honor this man. Then we will sing we are part of Chico's army: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs...united-legend/2012/04/18/gIQAH3rqQT_blog.html
http://thekop.liverpoolfc.tv/_The-Wembley-Diary-of-a-9-Year-Old/blog/6055123/173471.html This is brilliant stuff. What a great young Red
