SOMEWHERE in the back of my memory, back in the days of football birthday parties and regular cup finals, I remember things being very different.
Like most kids in the city my mates were split between blues and reds. The usual rivalry existed on the schoolyard and every lunch-time game was a mini-derby.
But I never felt a sense of hatred for Liverpool.
My grandad supported them passionately, and while he flatly failed to turn me, I don’t recall wishing them ill-thoughts.
Somewhere along the line it all changed.
The light hearts and joint sense of superiority over other footy fans got lost and trampled on.
It began with creeping bitterness (from both sides although possibly worsened by our decline under Mike Walker, Kendall and Walter Smith).
It ended in pitched battles after derbies in Concert square and random (but despicable) booing during Hillsborough silences and vandalism of the Dixie Dean statue.
That’s why Tuesday night and the immense gesture of a packed Anfield in tribute to a shattered Royal Blue family was so important.
It showed that as scousers we can still harness the sense of togetherness which once abided.
When my mate and fellow blogger Tony Barrett suggested that Johnny Todd be played at Anfield for Rhys Jones we agreed it would be a momentous moment. A very unique tribute.
We feared it might be booed but suspected deep-down, nobody would have the heart.
It’s typical of Tony that he took his idea, ran with it and made it happen.
Not only that, he made history.
So cheers to him, Liverpool F.C., its gracious (except after derbies) manager and Rick Parry.
I hope their gesture is not forgotten .
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James wrote...
Greg i agree a marvellous gesture by reds fans i am a blue but will not forget what took place at anfield on tuesday.I would hope my fellow blues do the same
Posted by: James | August 31, 2007 8:14 AM