betvisa888 betLiverpool supporters Clubs | First Touch - crickex cricket score http://crickex66.com Soccer journal, soccer TV guide & soccer bar finder Wed, 19 Mar 2025 09:29:58 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 http://i0.wp.com/crickex66.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/cropped-ftsquares-RED.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 betvisa loginLiverpool supporters Clubs | First Touch - crickex live cricket http://crickex66.com 32 32 120987483 betvisa888Liverpool supporters Clubs | First Touch - crickex casino http://crickex66.com/liverpool-supporters-tennessee/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=liverpool-supporters-tennessee Mon, 20 Feb 2023 22:29:57 +0000 http://new.crickex66.com/liverpool-supporters-tennessee/ Here is the complete guide to Liverpool supporters clubs in the great State of Tennessee. join one of the growing number of Liverpool Supporters groups here.

How To Find Liverpool Supporters In Tennessee]]>

Here is the complete guide to Liverpool supporters clubs and soccer bars in the great State of Tennessee. This landlocked State is Reds country with several supporters groups all within a morning’s drive of each other. Find the perfect bar to watch the Redmen and join one of the growing number of Liverpool Supporters groups in the Volunteer State.

road sign graphic for liverpool supporters clubs and soccer bars in Tennessee

See our full list of Liverpool supporters clubs and soccer bars in the USA


Guide To Liverpool Supporters Clubs & Soccer Bars In Tennessee

LFC Knoxville

Liverpool fans in and around the majestic Smoky Mountains are well served by LFC Knoxville. This official LFC group in Eastern Tennessee have recently relocated to a new home bar, Boyd’s Jig and Reel. This favorite local Whisky Bar is also a great live music venue where you can hear live Scottish, Irish, Cajun, and local Appalachian music.

Liverpool soccer bar in Knoxville ?Boyd’s Jig and Reel


first touch cover featuring liverpool

LFC Chattanooga

You don’t need to have a taste for hot chicken to support Liverpool in Tennessee, but it helps. Party Fowl, a local chain of hot chicken restaurants, is host to several supporters clubs in the State, including this one. Chattanooga in southern Tennessee sits on the border with Georgia. This small, official LFC group  meet at Party Fowl for all games.

Liverpool bar in Chattanooga ?Party Fowl


LFC Nashville

This LFC group in middle Tennessee was formed by local fans in Music City in 2011 but didn’t receive official status until 2018. Come and meet them for a game and a sing-song at the local Party Fowl in the Donelson neighborhood.  Sign up at the club website for membership and a scarf.

Liverpool soccer bar in Nashville ?Party Fowl


LFC Murfreesboro

You may not be familiar with Murfreesboro, but they’re not just small town in Nashville. Murfreesboro boasts its own official LFC group who meet at their local Party Fowl for games. You can listen to their podcast with JD Deckard where they discuss details about the OLSC,their unique story, and how they play a big part in their community.

Liverpool soccer bar in Murfreesboro ?Party Fowl


Watch Liverpool games in Tennessee on TV.
Check our soccer TV guide for kick-off times and channels

liverpool supporters clubs in tennessee

How To Find Liverpool Supporters In Tennessee]]>
27952
betvisa888Liverpool supporters Clubs | First Touch - crickex casino http://crickex66.com/liverpool-supporters-soccer-bars-texas/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=liverpool-supporters-soccer-bars-texas Mon, 20 Feb 2023 21:32:20 +0000 http://new.crickex66.com/liverpool-supporters-in-texas/ Here is the complete guide to Liverpool supporters in Texas. Find the perfect Liverpool bar in the Lone Star State to watch the Reds

How To Find Liverpool Supporters In Texas]]>

Here is the complete guide to Liverpool supporters clubs in Texas. Supporting Liverpool in Texas has never been easier. Find the perfect soccer bars in the Lone Star State to watch the Reds and join one of the growing number of Liverpool Supporters groups.

graphic for liverpool supporters clubs and soccer bars in texas

See our full list of Liverpool supporters groups in the USA


Guide To Liverpool Supporters In Texas

liverpool first touch cover

LFC Austin

Austin is known as something of a liberal oasis in deep-red Texas. The Capital City has found a new passion for soccer since launching its MLS team, Austin FC, in 2021. The Liverpool pub in Austin is BD Riley’s. This bustling Irish pub in the Mueller neighborhood is open for all games, all tournaments, no matter what time. Meet the Austin Reds here for a game and sign up for membership on their website and follow them on Bluesky.

Liverpool Soccer Bar in Austin ?BD Riley’s


LFC Dallas

This popular supporters club covers the Dallas/Fort Worth area and they meet at The Londoner Pub, one of the best soccer bars in Texas. The Dallas Reds also have a reputation as the top fundraisers among the official Liverpool clubs. They hold monthly raffles and other events for a variety of causes. Fort Worth Reds meet at The Londoner in Colleyville. Both venues offer full British menus.

Liverpool Soccer Bar in Dallas ?The Londoner Pub, Addison

Liverpool Bar in Fort Worth- The Londoner Pub, Colleyville


Houston Reds

Houston Reds were formed in 2013. They boast a large, multicultural membership and they meet at Hugh O’Conners near Memorial park for every game. The club also organizes events including player visits. Ian St John, Bruce Grobbelaar, and Ronnie Whelan have all dropped by for a visit.

Liverpool Soccer Bar in Houston


LFC San Antonio

The Alamo City Kopites were Formed in 2014 and meet The Winchester British gastropub in Alamo Heights for all matches. Scarves and membership are available.

Liverpool Bar in San Antonio ?The Winchester


Watch Liverpool in Texas
Check our live soccer TV guide for kick-off times and channels

graphic for liverpool supporters clubs and soccer bar in texas

How To Find Liverpool Supporters In Texas]]>
27935
betvisa888 cricket betLiverpool supporters Clubs | First Touch - crickex live cricket http://crickex66.com/liverpool-supporters-in-new-york/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=liverpool-supporters-in-new-york Wed, 15 Feb 2023 13:21:36 +0000 http://new.crickex66.com/liverpool-supporters-in-new-york/ Find Liverpool bars and Liverpool supporters clubs in New York. Meet at the right pub to watch Liverpool FC and connect with other Reds for a game.

Liverpool Supporters In New York]]>

There’s been an explosion of interest in Liverpool football club in New York over the past decade. Consequently, several new Liverpool supporters clubs and Liverpool soccer bars have sprung up in the city and upstate. We list them separately here, but it’s all one team at the end of the day. YNWA.

roadsign graphic for liverpool supporters clubs in new york

See our full list of Liverpool supporters clubs and Liverpool soccer bars in the USA

Guide To Liverpool Supporters Clubs and Soccer Bars In New York

daragh kennedy kisses bruce grobbelaar in the 11th street bar
Daragh Kennedy plants one on Bruce Grobbelaar at the 11th Street Bar. Photo by James Higgins

Liverpool Supporters In New York City

LFCNY

Liverpool FC’s original impact in New York was felt not so much as a result of their occasional summer tours to the region, but more by a brief appearance on grainy, late-night TV in 1964.

Gerry & The Pacemakers date with the Ed Sullivan Show coincided with one of the aforementioned Reds games in New York. This was also at the height of Beatlemania. The Fab Four had performed on the Ed Sullivan show earlier in the year to national acclaim. No pressure then, as relative unknowns Bill Shankly, Ian Callaghan, and the boys trod the same boards and belted out ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone?alongside Gerry Marsden to a bemused American TV audience of millions.  At the end of the day, it’s fair to say that the anthem caught on.

This all went down before the Beatles met Bob Dylan ?so Strawberry Fields and Lucy In The Sky WIth Diamonds hadn’t even been conceived yet. Meanwhile, Liverpool FC were still dreaming of their first-ever FA Cup win! The times they were a-changin?

LFCNY bar in East Village –?a href="http://crickex66.com/soccer-bar-11th-street-bar-ev/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">11th Street Bar, The Grafton

LFC Soccer Bar in Queens – Shillelagh Tavern

LFCNY bar in Eastchester ?Mickey Spillane’s

Liverpool Bar on Long Island ?Prost

LFC Brooklyn

LFC Brooklyn is one of the most recently  sanctioned Liverpool groups. They only became official in December 2022, joining over 300 Liverpool supporters groups worldwide.

The club grew organically out of The Monro pub on 5th Avenue in Park Slope, Brooklyn. This small, neighborhood bar is owned by Reds fans who have worked hard to build up interest in Liverpool in Brooklyn. The bar has opened for every Liverpool game for the past decade. There’s no better place to be in Brooklyn when Liverpool are playing, but we recommend arriving early. Also, if Monro is too busy you can try the Black Horse Pub a few blocks south. That’s if you don’t mind things getting a bit Spursy.

Liverpool bar in Brooklyn ?The Monro

Carragher's NYC

phil thompson outside downtown new york liverpool soccer bar carraghers
Nothing gets past Phil Thompson outside Carraghers Photo by Janette Beckman for Culture Crush magazine

Carragher’s is run independently of LFCNY, but owner Brian McLaughlin is a one-man tour de force when it comes to promoting Liverpool in New York. Located in downtown NY near Wall Street, this subterranean bar has even built a shrine for Liverpool fans called The Boot Room. Fans from pre-NBC days will recognize this as a tribute to the legendary mid-century coaching staff of Shankly, Paisley and others that helped shape Liverpool into the legends they are today. This is where Reds fans congregate to create a special atmosphere on game days. The bar also hosts special events featuring Liverpool legends, and the man himself has been known to drop in from time to time.

LFC bar downtown Manhattan ?Carragher’s 

Liverpool Supporters In Rochester

Flower City Reds

What’s black and white, and red all over? The Magpie Irish Pub when Liverpool are playing! If you need reminding how big New York State is just drive North-West from NYC for 7 hours. Eventually you will reach The Magpie in Rochester on the shore of lake Ontario. This is the home of the Flower City Reds for all Liverpool games. Drop by the Magpie for a game. Call first for opening info!

Liverpool bar in Rochester ?Magpie Irish Pub

Liverpool Supporters In Buffalo

Queen City Kop

Even all the way up in Buffalo you will find many enthusiastic Liverpool supporters who meet for games in the Banshee Irish Pub on Franklin Street. You can also now follow The Queen City Kop on BlueSky.

Liverpool bar in Buffalo ?Banshee Irish Pub

liverpool supporters at the 11th street bar in the east village
liverpool fans celebrate another goal at the 11th street bar in the east village
Liverpool Supporters In New York]]>
27825
betvisa cricketLiverpool supporters Clubs | First Touch - crickex bet http://crickex66.com/liverpool-supporters-soccer-bars-florida/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=liverpool-supporters-soccer-bars-florida Sat, 04 Feb 2023 14:30:50 +0000 http://new.crickex66.com/liverpool-supporters-in-florida/ Find Liverpool soccer bars and Liverpool supporters clubs in Florida. Meet at the right pub to watch Liverpool and connect with other Reds for a game.

How To Find Liverpool Supporters In Florida]]>
This is a complete review of Liverpool supporters clubs and Liverpool soccer bars in Florida. Firstly, it covers the Liverpool supporters groups everywhere in the state. Secondly, it lists every Liverpool pub in Florida so you can cheer on the Reds anywhere in the Sunshine State and meet up with other Liverpool fans for a game.

road sign graphic for liverpool supporters clubs in florida

See our full list of Liverpool supporters groups and Liverpool soccer bars in the USA


Guide To Liverpool Supporters Clubs & Soccer Bars In Florida

LFC Jacksonville

The Jacksonville Reds watch games at Legacy Ale Works. Perfect if you are vacationing on the beaches of Northern Florida. This official Liverpool supporters group have a very active Facebook page to keep you connected and informed. Also, club scarves are now available. Drop by for any Liverpool game.

Liverpool Soccer Bar in Jacksonville – Legacy Ale Works


LFC Orlando

Liverpool supporters outside one of the liverpool soccer bars in florida
Liverpool fans outside the Harp and Celt in Orlando

Never mind the beaches, here come the sausage rolls. The official Liverpool group in Orlando meet to watch all games in the fun part of town at The Harp & Celt (use the door to the left of the main entrance). Full Irish Breakfast is on offer, so come on down. The pub is open for all Liverpool games and encourages you to Eat, Drink, and Cheer. Did we mention they have sausage rolls?

Liverpool Soccer Bar in Orlando – Harp & Celt


LFC Tampa

Molly Malone’s on Davis Island is a great local, live music venue. It’s also the official bar in Tampa for Liverpool supporters. Another popular place for Liverpool fans is the Wild Rover Brewing Company. This is a British-owned restaurant with your usual favorites on the menu.

Liverpool Soccer Bar In Tampa – Molly Malone’s


LFC Miami

There are a large number of loyal LFC fans living in the Sunshine State. Couple that with the thousands who visit Miami Beach every year and you have one of the busiest of the USA Liverpool supporters clubs in LFC Miami. The club meet up to watch Liverpool at Gramps, a live music venue close to the airport. They open for 10 am Saturday and 9 am Sunday games.

Liverpool Bar In Miami – Gramps


LFC Palm Beaches

LFC Palm Beaches meet to watch Liverpool games at The Irish Brigade, just blocks from the beach on Lake Avenue  The pub has home-cooked traditional Irish food and a great pint of Guinness, as well as outdoor seating. The club keep their social media up to date with event info.

Liverpool Bar In Lake Worth – Irish Brigade


Watch Liverpool in Florida.
Check our live soccer TV guide for kick-off times and channels

road sign graphic for liverpool soccer bars in florida

How To Find Liverpool Supporters In Florida]]>
27757
betvisa cricketLiverpool supporters Clubs | First Touch - crickex casino http://crickex66.com/liverpool-supporters-soccer-bars-in-california/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=liverpool-supporters-soccer-bars-in-california Thu, 02 Feb 2023 15:51:41 +0000 http://new.crickex66.com/liverpool-in-california/ Find Liverpool soccer bars and Liverpool supporters groups in California. Meet at the right pub to watch Liverpool FC and connect with other Reds for a game.

How To Find Liverpool Supporters In California]]>

This is a complete review of Liverpool supporters groups and Liverpool soccer bars in California.
Watch Liverpool at the right pub anywhere in the Golden State and meet up with other Reds for a game.

road sign graphic for Liverpool supporters clubs in california

Liverpool Supporters Clubs In The USASee our full list of Liverpool supporters groups in the USA


Liverpool Supporters Clubs In California

LFC San Diego

LFC San Diego are a large, passionate, official Liverpool supporters club in Southern California. Henry’s Pub in the Gaslight district. is their home bar. Henry’s website makes no mention of this but does have one of those head-spinning introductory videos of self-conscious patrons gurning while dancing badly. Shakespeare Pub and Princess Pub (owned by Liverpool fans) are also popular. These two British pubs in San Diego have a great reputation for showing live soccer stretching back decades. The club’s Facebook page keeps you updated with game venue information and you can follow them on Bluesky

Liverpool Bar in San Diego – Henry’s Pub, Princess Pub, Shakespeare’s Pub


Southern California Kopites

Further north, but still in San Diego County, this official supporters group covers the northern area and are based in the small coastal town of Carlsbad, famous for Tamarack surf beach. Meet under the palm trees at Senor Grubby’s where surfin’ birds mingle with Liver birds to watch Liverpool matches. Grubby’s has a great Mexican menu and a website that lists all its upcoming sporting events – except soccer.

Liverpool Bar in Carlsbad – Senor Grubby’s


liverpool in california

LFC Orange County

Moving on up, Orange County in Southern California is known for its sun, sea, and Disneyland. Consequently, Mickey Mousers feel right at home here. Liverpool fans here gather in Tustin at Rock & Brews, one of a chain of live music pubs owned by half of KISS. Make-up is encouraged, but not compulsory.

Liverpool Soccer Bar in Anaheim – Rock & Brews Pub


OLSC Long Beach

A 20-minute drive and one county away from Anaheim is where you find the next official LFC group.  The Long Beach lovers of Liverpool meet at Gallagher’s Pub for several good reasons. Firstly, they are open for every Liverpool match. Secondly, they are kid-friendly and welcome fans of all ages. Third, they are just four blocks from the beach. OLSC Long Beach also get top marks for their social media activity, and for keeping fans updated with current event info and news.

Liverpool Bar in Long Beach – Gallagher’s Pub


LFC Los Angeles

As is clear from this page, Southern California, like Florida, has a large concentration of Reds supporters due to its popularity with tourists and ex-pats alike (Brits are renowned for turning red in the sun). Joxer Daly’s is a serious soccer bar in West LA and the home of the official LFC Los Angeles club. Join them for one of those West Coast silly o’clock kick-offs next time you are in town for an audition.

Liverpool Soccer Bar in Los Angeles – Joxer Daly’s


Pasadena Reds

The Pasadena Reds were thrilled about being sanctioned as an official Liverpool supporters club in 2016. Unfortunately, their website and social media have been mysteriously quiet for a few years. Consequently, we can’t tell you what’s on their mind today. Fortunately, they list Lucky Baldwin’s British Pub as their home bar. This is an excellent choice because of its dedication to showing live games. Nevertheless, you should always call ahead to confirm opening times!

Liverpool Soccer Bar in Pasadena – Lucky Baldwin’s


LFC San Francisco Bay

This is one of the oldest and largest Liverpool supporters group in the USA. Firstly, two local Liverpool fans formed this club back in 2008. Subsequently, the club grew and was awarded official status in 2015. Additionally, the club is one of the best for communications. Their website and social media are constantly updated. They publish everything you need to know, and some things you don’t.

LFC SF Bay covers a large area of Northern California. The local Reds meet for all games at Chief Sullivan’s on Green Street. This well-established Irish pub is in a great area for sightseeing. The famous City Lights bookstore is a couple of blocks away. More importantly, the bar is open for all Liverpool games from 6 am onwards.

Liverpool Soccer Bar in San Francisco – Chief Sullivan’s


LFC Sacramento

The most Northerly of California LFC clubs meet at American Field House on Fulton Street in the Capitol City of Sacramento. First thing to do if you’re a Red in Sacramento would be to sign up on Facebook.to join the club. Secondly, always check ahead to see if the bar is open for the early game. Actually this advice applies to most West Coast soccer bars due to the inconvenient time differences.

Liverpool Bar in Sacramento – Field House 


Find TV info for Liverpool in California.
Check our live soccer TV guide for kick-off times and channels

road sign graphic for liverpool soccer bars in california

How To Find Liverpool Supporters In California]]>
27724
betvisa casinoLiverpool supporters Clubs | First Touch - crickex cricket bet http://crickex66.com/liverpool-supporters-clubs-usa/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=liverpool-supporters-clubs-usa Thu, 26 Jan 2023 22:51:38 +0000 http://new.crickex66.com/liverpool-supporters-clubs-usa/ Here's your guide to Liverpool supporters clubs in the USA. Find all the Liverpool soccer bars where fans watch games. Meet other Liverpool fans in America.

Liverpool Supporters Clubs In The USA]]>

This is the ultimate guide to all the Liverpool supporters clubs in the USA. Find all of the Liverpool bars where LFC supporters watch games and drink. Meet other Liverpool fans in soccer bars anywhere you travel in the States.

roadsign graphic for liverpool supporters clubs in new york

This page is dedicated to John Delaney

LFC

Guide To Liverpool FC Supporters Clubs In The USA

liverpool players in 1946
Liverpool players pose with an American All-Stars team (white) in 1946. Photo courtesy of Liverpool FC

The Beatles may have spearheaded the British invasion of the United States in the 1960s, but Liverpool made its presence felt in America long before that, back when Elvis was still in school. The year was 1946 and English football was set to make its long-awaited return following the six-year break due to the Second World War. Liverpool FC embarked on their first-ever tour of the USA that summer as a pre-season warm-up to the 1946-47 season. They won all 10 games on the tour but more importantly they were crowned English Champions at the end of that season ?beating rivals Manchester United who finished second by one point.

The success of that 1946 tour inspired Liverpool to return to The States on many occasions. It proved to be the beginning of a relationship that continues to grow to this day, and the popularity of the club expands year after year. Take a trip with us around the many Liverpool supporters clubs and pubs in the country that have sprung up between then and now.

LFC

Please contact us If you know of any Liverpool supporters clubs or Liverpool bars in the USA that are not listed here. Any information regarding opening times or other helpful info, we would love to hear from you.

But if you have any issues with the service, food, or related issues at any of these bars…take it to Yelp.

LFC

Liverpool Supporters Club In Alabama

first touch magazine cover featuring liverpool

LFC Birmingham

The Anvil Pub describes itself as an upscale modern pub with a British soul. Perfect for the discerning Liverpool supporter. They even offer High Tea with clotted cream, a rare treat around these parts. The Anvil is also the home of the official Liverpool club, LFC Birmingham, who gather here for all live matches. Where Scones meet Scousers.

Liverpool Bar In Birmingham - The Anvil Pub

LFC

Liverpool Supporters Club In Arizona

LFC Supporters Of Phoenix

The Crown Pub downtown on Jefferson is open for all early Liverpool games. The pub has ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone?printed on its awning and was recently voted the best British Pub in Phoenix. That’s all to the delight of the official Liverpool supporters group in Phoenix, who are proud to call The Crown their home.

Liverpool Soccer Bar In Phoenix - The Crown

LFC

Liverpool FC Clubs In California

Check out all the Liverpool supporters clubs in California here

LFC

Liverpool FC Clubs In Colorado

First Touch magazine cover

LFC Colorado Springs

This Colorado Liverpool group was granted official status in 2019. They meet up in the mountains for games at the excellent Great British Food Co. right off I-25. The name may sound like an oxymoron to some, but what do they know? Evidently, they haven’t watched The Great British Bake-Off (we highly recommend both by the way). Particularly, we recommend the ‘proper English breakfast?at this lofty establishment that takes its footie very seriously.

The pub also serves Bangers & Mash, Fish & Chips, and all the other classics from Blighty including sticky toffee pudding to round everything off nicely. This is arguably the best soccer bar in Colorado. Unfortunately, that means you have to share it with you know-who.

LFC Bar In Colorado Springs - Great British Food Co.

LFC Denver

LFC Denver was formed back in 2011 and became the first Official LFC club in Colorado in 2013. They meet in the Mile High City for games at The Abbey Tavern and they encourage visiting Reds to bring a spare scarf that can then be traded for a Denver LFC one.

LFC Soccer Bar In Denver - The Abbey Tavern

LFC

Liverpool Supporters In Connecticut

liverpool on the cover of first touch

LFC New Haven

This club represents Liverpool in Connecticut as an official supporters group. The club is active on social media where you can find out more about becoming a member. The Liverpool pub in New Haven is The Trinity Bar, downtown near the City Hall. Join the Reds on Orange Street for all live games, and enjoy the excellent full Irish breakfast or a game of arrows.

Liverpool Bar In New Haven - The Trinity

LFC

Liverpool Supporters In DC

LFC DC

This is one of the largest and best organized of the Liverpool groups. They have a stylish and informative website keeping you updated with everything you need to know about supporting Liverpool in the Capitol City. The Liverpool pub in DC is owned by scouser.Ryan Gordon and it fills up for every Liverpool game.

Liverpool Soccer Bar In DC - The Queen Vic

LFC Bar In Arlington - Crystal City Sports Pub

Liverpool Bar In Bethesda - The Barking Dog

LFC

Liverpool Supporters In Delaware

first touch magazine cover

LFC Delaware

The Official Liverpool group in Delaware are based in Wilmington, the largest city in the First State. They meet at an Irish pub in the Trolley District called Catherine Rooney’s (we’re assured she is no relation). The pub opens for 7 am Liverpool games and has a full brunch menu that includes an Irish-themed Eggs Benedict. Save room for the Guinness fudge brownie later.

Liverpool Bar In Wilmington - Catherine Rooney's

LFC

Liverpool Supporters In Florida

See all the Liverpool supporters clubs and bars in Florida here

LFC

Liverpool Supporters Club In Georgia

LFC Atlanta

The official Reds of Georgia meet at Fado, the Buckhead one, not the other one. Fado on Buckhead Avenue is open for all early Liverpool games on a weekend and full Irish breakfast is available. LFC Atlanta have an interesting website and busy social media pages offering memberships and club merchandise. You can now follow them on Bluesky

Liverpool Bar In Atlanta - Fado (Buckhead)

LFC

Liverpool Supporters Club In Indiana

LFC Indianapolis

The Mid-West is an area of growing interest for Liverpool Football Club. They played in South Bend, Indiana on their 2019 summer tour, losing 3-2 to Borussia Dortmund. Reds fans in Indianapolis get to watch all live games at one of the best soccer pubs in the region. The Union Jack British Pub in Indianapolis has been around since before Brookside first appeared on the telly. They have been a champion of soccer bars in the US for over four decades. This pub will show any game, any time ?just ask. LFC Indy is the official LFC group in Indiana and they turn the pub red whenever Liverpool play.

Liverpool Bar In Indianapolis - Union Jack

LFC

Liverpool Supporters Club In Illinois

first touch magazine cover

LFC Chicago

As the fifth most populated city in the States, Chicago naturally has an ever-expanding number of LFC supporters in its environs. Having an LFC academy based in Chicago also helps. LFC Chicago was started back in 2007 and Mid-Westerner Keenan Probst presents a strong case in this article as to why tourists from Liverpool should choose the Windy City over NYC or Los Angeles on their next visit.

First Touch has been based in NYC for over 25 years, so we’re staying out of that debate. However, if you do make the leap, the official Liverpool pub in Chicago is AJ Hudson’s. This place lives and breathes soccer and they list hundreds of upcoming matches on their website. Keep abreast of all upcoming events involving The Redmen on LFC Chicago’s social media.

Liverpool Soccer Bar In Chicago - AJ Hudson's

LFC

Liverpool Supporters Club In Iowa

LFC Des Moines

This is a small but dedicated Liverpool group that received official status from Anfield in 2019. They meet for all matches downtown at The oldest British Pub in Des Moines. The Royal Mile makes no mention of any soccer or early opening times on their website, which is strange when you consider their allegiances. They do have the obligatory red phone box and offer a reasonably priced full English breakfast ?or biscuits & gravy for the locals. Also, there is a sister bar upstairs called the Red Monk which is a great destination for Belgian Beer aficionados.

LFC Soccer Bar In Des Moines - The Royal Mile

LFC

Liverpool Supporters Club In Kentucky

liverpool supporters first touch cover

LFC Kentucky

Welcome to LFC Kentucky. Also known as the Bluegrass Reds. This official group meet at Molly Malones in the Highlands neighborhood in Louisville for matches. The club has another Liverpool pub in Lexington. Drive a couple of hours west from Louisville to the next whiskey bar. The Paddock has a great patio and a warm welcome for Liverpool fans.

Liverpool Bar In Louisville - Molly Malones

Liverpool Bar In Lexington - The Paddock

LFC

Liverpool Supporters In Louisiana

LFC New Orleans

There is only one soccer bar in The Big Easy. The legendary Finn McCools. Nothing more to add really.

LFC Soccer Bar In New Orleans - Finn McCools

LFC

Liverpool Supporters Clubs In Maryland

first touch magazine cover

LFC Baltimore

LFC Baltimore was started way back in 2006. They have a place to call their own at Smaltimore on Fait Ave in the Canton district of the city. The club meet here for all games, rain or shine. Also of note, It’s one of the few Liverpool pubs we’ve found with a sushi menu.

Liverpool Soccer Bar In Baltimore - Smaltimore

LFC

Liverpool Supporters In Massachusetts

LFC Boston

Connections between Liverpool and Boston run deep. LFC Boston was formed in 2006 and became an official LFC club a couple of years later. They continue to grow and prosper and watch every Liverpool game at The Greatest Bar on Friend St. in Boston as well as Phoenix Landing in Cambridge. This landmark sports pub was launched in 1995, back when Robbie Fowler was banging in the goals. First Touch was launched at the same time. Clearly, something was in the air. The Phoenix is devoted to LFC. You’ll find no other EPL supporters clubs here. Follow on Bluesky.

Liverpool Bar In Cambridge - Phoenix Landing

Liverpool Bar In Boston - The Greatest Bar

liverpool fans in boston
liverpool fans in Boston outside Phoenix Landing. Photo by Janette Beckman for Culture Crush.
LFC

Liverpool Supporters Club In Michigan

LFC Detroit

Detroit is a great city to visit for a weekend, especially if you’re into Northern Soul and music in general. Of course, you’ll want to drop by Thomas Magee’s in historic Eastern Market. Detroit’s official Liverpool club meet here for all televised games. The Reds are the only EPL team hosted by this busy downtown sports bar.

Liverpool Bar In Detroit - Thomas Magee's

LFC

Liverpool Supporters Club In Minnesota

LFC Minneapolis

This is a very popular official Liverpool club that get together to watch the Reds at Brits Pub in downtown Minneapolis. This long-established little corner of the UK has a great traditional menu and even has its own bowling green available to everyone! Surely a first among supporters clubs? MinneKopites keep their social media updated with announcements about pub opening times, drink specials, and other important info.

Liverpool Bar In Minneapolis - Brit's Pub

LFC

Liverpool Supporters Clubs In Missouri

liverpool lift the champions league trophy

Official LFC Kansas City

Known locally as the Kansas City Kop, this is the official Kansas City LFC group. They meet for games at a sports bar on the Missouri side of the river called Chicken N Pickle. The PIckle refers to the sport of Pickleball which is a cross between tennis and ping pong. The pub has actual courts available for hire (2 versus 2). There is a string of these establishments in cities including Wichita and Oklahoma City, with more on the way. other games such as Battleship and Cornholes are also on offer.

Liverpool Bar In Kansas City - Chicken N Pickle

LFC Kansas City

This is a smaller, unofficial Reds group in Kansas City. Their home pub is a soccer-friendly place called Strange Days Brewing Company, a short hop across the river from the Chicken & Pickle on your way to downtown KC.

LFC Bar In Kansas City - Strange Days

LFC St. Louis

Liverpool’s Official supporter group in St. Louis are not very active on social media, but if you’re in town you should head to  Amsterdam Tavern in the heart of Tower Grove South neighborhood. This place really knows how to present the beautiful game. Fans of all stripes meet here daily to watch games in a great atmosphere.

LFC Bar In St. Louis - Amsterdam Tavern

LFC

Liverpool Supporters Club In Nebraska

first touch magazine cover

LFC Omaha

This official group meets at the popular Bärchen German Beerhouse where you can enjoy great food, beer, and sunshine in the outside patio area.

LFC Bar In Omaha - Barchen

LFC

Liverpool Supporters Club In Nevada

LFC Las Vegas

The official Nevada Reds ?or LVpudlians ?meet at McMullans Irish Pub on Tropicana and obviously attract many visitors from the old country on any given match day. No need to worry about opening times for matches here as the place is rocking 24 hours!

LFC Bar In Las Vegas - McMullans

LFC

Liverpool Supporters In New Jersey

first touch magazine cover

LFC New Jersey Shore

Speaking of rocking, the Jersey Shore was made famous by The Boss, but now it’s claimed by the Jersey Shore Reds who meet at PJ Sweeney’s in Brick to belt out some ballads on gameday. There are also a couple of bars in New Jersey that fall under the domain of LFCNY.

The Cottage Bar in Teaneck, not far from the George Washington Bridge, has been showing soccer for decades. Deeper into New Jersey, The Nottingham Tavern near Trenton is a new favorite bar for Reds supporters.

LFC Bar In Brick - PJ Sweeney's

Liverpool Bar In Teaneck - The Cottage

LFC Bar In Hamilton - Nottingham Tavern

LFC

Liverpool Supporters In New Mexico

first touch magazine cover

505 Reds

This Liverpool group in Albuquerque were sanctioned in 2018. They have a new home bar downtown at Craftroom and are keen to welcome new members. Join them for a game and ask them what 505 means. OK, we’ll tell you. It’s the area code for Albuquerque.

LFC Soccer Bar In Albuquerque - Craftroom

LFC

Liverpool Supporters In New York

Liverpool supporters clubs and bars in New York 

LFC

Liverpool Supporters In North Carolina

Charlotte Reds

Charlotte Reds list not one, but three home bars on their website. However, none of the bars listed make any mention whatsoever of showing any live sports. One of the bars isn’t even in North Carolina! We recommend visiting the group’s Facebook page for more concise info. Recently, they have been meeting at Bar LoSo on South Blvd. for games. 

The club website does have lots of useful information about its history and members but also has the feeling that it was assembled by a group of lawyers. Signing up for membership feels more like you’re applying for a mortgage (please don’t sue us!).

LFC Bar In Charlotte - Bar LoSo

Liverpool Bar In Charlotte - Bar Valhalla

LFC Raleigh

The London Bridge Pub in Raleigh does not mess around when it comes to soccer. The best soccer bar in the State is also the spiritual home of the local Liverpool supporters. LFC Raleigh was started back in 2012 by Ken Kendra and some local pals. The club has official status and is active on social media.

Their website hasn’t been upgraded for a while but includes some interesting features including a pub cam so you can watch the gang celebrate when the Reds score. You can also sign up for membership, newsletters, and ticket opportunities.

Liverpool Bar In Raleigh - the London Bridge

LFC

Liverpool Supporters Clubs In Ohio

First Touch magazine cover

LFC Cincinnati

LFC Cincinnati was formed in 2014 and has over 400 members. This official LFC club caters to local Reds here and over the border in Northern Kentucky. The Liverpool pub in Cincinnati, Rhinehaus, loves soccer and is open for all early games. The original sports bar in Over-The-Rhine district hosts several other EPL supporter groups that we won’t name here.

Liverpool Bar In Cincinnati - Rhinehaus

LFC Columbus

LFC Columbus has two viewing locations. Local Cantina in the Brewery District, which is great if you’re craving a taco. Also, in the northern suburb of Dublin at McClellan’s Pub. This bar is open for every Liverpool match and serves a full Irish Breakfast with your footie.

Liverpool Bar In Columbus - Local Cantina

LFC Bar In Columbus - McClellan's

LFC Cleveland

Up on the shore of Lake Erie, LFC Cleveland is another highly engaged, official LFC group in the soccer-mad state of Ohio. They meet for all games at Iggy’s bar in Lakewood. They have foosball tables!

LFC Bar In Cleveland - Iggy's

LFC

Liverpool Supporters Club In Oklahoma

first touch magazine cover

LFC Oklahoma

This official LFC group covers Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Stillwater, and Norman. They have a healthy membership and go by the nickname KopLahomans. Join them at Skinny Slims British Pub on Main St. Oklahoma City or at the equally British White Lion Pub in Tulsa where they promise the best fish & chips of your life ?with mushy peas, of course. Always call ahead for opening times when planning a visit for a game.

LFC Bar In Oklahoma City - Skinny Slims

Liverpool Bar In Tulsa - White Lion Pub

LFC

Liverpool Supporters Club In Oregon

first touch magazine cover ffeaturing liverpool

LFC Portland

LFC Portland has over 700 members. Their home bar in Portland is called the Home Bar, and it’s in Portland.

Liverpool Soccer Bar In Portland - Home Bar

LFC

Liverpool Supporters In Pennsylvania

liverpool fans in the usa soccer bar Victoria Freehouse
Photo by Janette Beckman for Culture Crush magazine.

Philly Reds

Rarely, if ever, does an American Liverpool supporters club receive the attention of a celebrated photographer. But that happened to the Philly Reds when Janette Beckman snapped them for a feature in Culture Crush magazine. This incredible photo essay capturing the passion and vibrancy of several LFC groups in the North East can be viewed here. You can experience the passion yourself at Victoria Freehouse on South Front Street, or one of several suburban bars listed here on the Philly Reds website.

Liverpool Bar In Philly - Victoria Freehouse

LFC Pittsburgh

LFC Pittsburgh is one of the newer Liverpool supporters groups. They were formed in 2014 and have over 500 members. Meet them at the Industry Public House in North Fayette for a Liverpool game and join their Facebook group.

LFC Pub in Pittsburgh - Industry Public House

OLSC Susquehanna Valley

Somewhere between Pittsburgh and Philly you’ll find an official Liverpool supporters club catering to the vast middle of Pennsylvania. Follow them on Bluesky or track them down at Mr. G’s Sports Bar in Harrisburg.

LFC soccer bar in Marietta - River Trail Brewing

Liverpool bar in Harrisburg - Mr G's

LFC

Liverpool Supporters In South Carolina

first touch magazine cover

LFC South Carolina

This club was awarded official status in 2013 after a four-year wait. They have various home bars around the State that you can check out on their excellent website. Liverpool fans in Charleston meet at Baker & Brewer on Stuart Street where you can score a great brick oven pizza. The Liverpool pub in Columbia is the British Bulldog, while Reds beach bums in Myrtle Beach can be found at McCanns Pub (The Old Bull & Bush).

Liverpool Pub in Charleston - Baker & Brewer

LFC

Liverpool Supporters Clubs In Texas

Liverpool supporters clubs and bars in Texas

LFC
first touch magazine cover

Liverpool Supporters In Tennessee

Check out our page of Liverpool Supporters In Tennessee

LFC

Liverpool Supporters Club In Utah

Salt Lake City Reds

This small, unofficial Reds group encourages you to follow them on social media to help in their quest to become the first sanctioned Liverpool group in Utah. Best of luck finding a morning bar in Salt Lake lads!

LFC

Liverpool Supporters Clubs In Virginia

first touch cover featuring liverpool

LFC Hampton Roads

Virginia is for lovers of Liverpool, with three official supporters groups in the State. Hampton Roads Reds are based out of Norfolk. They cater to the Virginia Beach Liverpool fans and they meet for all weekend games at 80/20 Burger Bar in Norfolk, or at the nearby Hair Of The Dog for early games.

Liverpool Pub in Norfolk - 80/20 Burger Bar

CVILLE Reds

In the gateway city to the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll find the Charlottesville Reds. They watch Liverpool at Random Row Brewing Company, Join their Facebook group, meet for a game, and don’t forget to pick up a club scarf.

LFC Pub in Charlottesville - Random Row

LFC Richmond

Where else in Richmond would Liverpool fans meet but Penny Lane? This dedicated British pub in Richmond was opened in 1979 by scouser Terry O’Neill and is now managed by his son Terence and daughter-in-law Lisa. Legend has it that in his capacity as a bouncer, Terry once ejected a worse-for-wear John Lennon from the legendary Cavern Club.

The Richmond Reds offer a warm welcome to all visitors and are currently offering Liverpool Virginia license plates so that you can show your love for Liverpool on your vehicle while you are getting pulled over.

Liverpool supporters virginia license plate

Liverpool Pub In Richmond - Penny Lane

LFC

Liverpool Club In Washington

LFC Seattle

LFC Seattle covers a large region up there in the Pacific North West. The club was formed in 2010 and granted official status in 2013. The Liverpool pub in Seattle is St. Andrew’s near Greenlake. Reds in Tacoma head to Doyle’s Public House where owner Russ opens up for all the early games.

Liverpool Pub In Seattle - St. Andrew's Pub

Liverpool Bar In Tacoma - Doyle's Public House

LFC

Liverpool Club In Wisconsin

first touch cover featuring liverpool

LFC Madison

This small but official group of Reds meet for games up in Madison at Danny’s Pub.

Liverpool Pub In Madison - Danny's Pub

Cream City Scousers

A short drive East from Madison brings you to Milwaukee on the shore of Lake Michigan. The Three Lions British Pub is a great soccer bar and it’s where local Liverpool fans meet for all matches.

Liverpool Bar In Milwaukee - Three Lions

LFC
First Touch magazine cover

We hope you enjoyed our guide to the Liverpool soccer bars and supporters clubs in the United States. Please contact us with any suggestions, or if you want to list a supporters club.

kenny dalglish liverpool
King Kenny. Artwork by Ben Kay
Liverpool Supporters Clubs In The USA]]>
27454
betvisa888 cricket betLiverpool supporters Clubs | First Touch - crickex bet http://crickex66.com/liverpool-celebrate-title/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=liverpool-celebrate-title Tue, 28 Jul 2020 16:33:03 +0000 http://new.crickex66.com/liverpool-celebrate-title/ With the 2019/20 EPL campaign officially done and dusted, Liverpool FC and their fans were finally able to celebrate a Premier League title at Anfield.

Liverpool FC Celebrate Title Win]]>

With the 2019/20 EPL campaign officially done and dusted, Liverpool FC and their fans were finally able to celebrate a Premier League title at Anfield. The individual accolades soon followed with Jordan Henderson winning the Football Writers?Association Men’s Footballer of the Year and Jürgen Klopp being named the League Managers Association’s Manager of the Year. 

Liverpool FC Celebrate EPL Title Win At Anfield

Jurgen Klopp poses with his Manager of the Year Trophy. Photo: liverpoolfc.com
By Greg McKay

But for a club that won the title with a record seven games to spare and by a gap of 18 points, there is the question of where this Liverpool side sits in Premier League history. During the course of the season, Liverpool held the largest points lead in English top-flight history (25), most wins in a row (24), most victories in a season (32) and the best start ever in any of Europe’s top five leagues (61 points from their opening 21 matches). 

As impressive as these accomplishments are they also point to the fact that Liverpool fell short of the more significant milestones that signal a truly legendary side.

‘The Invincibles? as Arsenal’s 2003/04 team is known, are still the first and only team since Preston North End in 1889 to go through an entire season undefeated. In 2017/18, the ‘Centurions?at Manchester City set the record for most points in a Premier League season at an even one hundred. 

Not Invincible

Throughout much of this year’s campaign, Liverpool looked game for challenging both the Invincibles?and Centurions?records, but a shocking three-nil loss to relegated Watford in late February ended the hopes for an undefeated season and after the restart losses to Manchester City and Arsenal doomed the Reds?plans of reaching triple digits in points. 

Though Liverpool didn’t necessarily set the types of records that live on in one-name nicknames, the squad was able to achieve the one thing that had escaped Liverpool’s grasp since the year M.C. Hammer came out with “U Can’t Touch This”—a top flight English league crown.

For returning Liverpool to their “perch,?the current crop of players will at least go down as one of the greatest in Anfield’s memory. In some ways, however, the 2019/20 Liverpool was less impressive than the 2018/19 team that pushed Manchester City to the brink. In 2018/19, Klopp’s brand of heavy metal football was finally coming together to devastating effect.

Front Three

While Mo Salah, Sadio Mané and Roberto Firmino looked like the best front three in Europe, a spine of the team built around Virgil van Dijk and Jordan Henderson led the team to Champions League glory. 

In 2019/20, Liverpool seemed a more assured side but rarely put in the types of all-encompassing, dominating displays we saw in recent seasons where they seemed to run rampant over the competition at times. More often, Liverpool were winning comfortably and confidently, without necessarily overplaying their hand.

Though as great as Liverpool were over the course of the season, the rest of the Premier League rarely offered much in terms of resistance. Manchester City never really looked fully up to the task with some early issues at centerback forcing their only true midfield anchor, Fernandinho, to play in the backline and wreaking havoc on Guardiola’s best laid tactical plans.

The lack of any serious title contenders begs the question just how dominating this Liverpool team could have been had they had another horse pushing them to the finish line. 

Legacy

Ultimately, the matter of where the 2019/20 Liverpool side sits in the record books alongside the other great EPL teams of the past thirty years remains to be seen. For Liverpool fans, that is a conversation for another day and records or no records, the team that returned the trophy to Anfield will be remembered for years to come.

Liverpool FC Celebrate Title Win]]>
16978
betvisa888 liveLiverpool supporters Clubs | First Touch - crickex live http://crickex66.com/the-magic-of-the-cup-season-1973-74/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-magic-of-the-cup-season-1973-74 Wed, 03 Jun 2020 19:49:46 +0000 http://new.crickex66.com/the-magic-of-the-cup-season-1973-74/ First Touch writer Dave Bowler has been busy lately working on a new project. It\'s a series of books to be released over the coming years called The Magic Of The Cup that will cover each historic FA Cup season, including exclusive interviews with those involved.

Magic Of The Cup ?Season 1973-74]]>
First Touch writer Dave Bowler has been busy lately working on a new project. It’s a series of books to be released over the coming years by Curtis Sports called The Magic Of The Cup that will cover each historic FA Cup season from preliminaries to final, including exclusive interviews with those involved.

Each book release will be limited to just 1000 copies, all of them 196 pages. The first two books to be released are for seasons 1973/74 and 1967/68. It’s the perfect gift for every soccer fan, so order yours now.


The Magic Of The CupThe 1973/74 FA Cup season was one of the most remarkable on record, not simply on the pitch, but off it too. It brought us a first taste of competitive Sunday football in England as the nation grappled with the oil crisis and the three-day week and clubs battled to find electrical generators to fuel floodlit football.

Bideford played more FA Cup games in a single season that any other club ever has, before or since, and still only made it to round one. Newcastle United looked as though they might equal the record as they went through replay after replay before a riot threatened their very place in the competition.

But it all ended with Liverpool’s Bill Shankly winning the competition for the second time as a manager and concluding that that was fulfilment enough for any man, leaving the stage to the shock of a nation.

With a revealing director’s commentary on the season as a whole from Newcastle United’s Alan Kennedy ?later a Liverpool legend ?and full coverage across the season using contemporary and newly researched sources, “The Magic of the Cup 73/74?is the comprehensive story of a classic season in the story of the world’s greatest cup competition.

Here are a couple of excerpts from “The Magic of the Cup 73/74?/strong>

In this first excerpt, Duncan McKenzie reveals the secrets of a successful fitness regime, 1970’s style..


The concept of playing football on a Sunday became a reality during the 1973/74 season, and in this excerpt we learn how football navigated the challenges of the ‘Sunday Observence Act’ while upsetting some of the more traditional figures in the game.



Follow the magic of the cup on Twitter:  @MagicOfFACup

Magic Of The Cup ?Season 1973-74]]>
16708
betvisa liveLiverpool supporters Clubs | First Touch - crickex casino http://crickex66.com/liverpool-fans-east-coast-soccer-bars/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=liverpool-fans-east-coast-soccer-bars Wed, 08 May 2019 15:14:18 +0000 http://new.crickex66.com/liverpool-fans-on-the-east-coast/ NY mag Culture Crush has done an excellent feature on Liverpool fans up and down the East Coast. Stunning shots by hip-hop photographer Janette Beckman.

Liverpool Fans In East Coast Soccer Bars]]>
Local NY mag The Culture Crush has done an excellent feature on Liverpool supporters in their soccer bars in the North East States. The feature includes stunning photographs of Liverpool fans in the USA by legendary hip-hop photographer Janette Beckman.

Liverpool Fans On the East Coast. A Photo Essay By Janette Beckman – YNWA

The Spring edition of Culture Crush magazine is out now and it’s a must have for lovers of the beautiful game in the North East, especially if you’re a Liverpool fan.

A 40-page photo essay “You’ll Never Walk Alone” presents dozens of amazing shots by legendary photographer Janette Beckman. These stunning images capture the passion and excitement of watching EPL football in a pub on a weekend morning in Boston, New York and Philadelphia.

Cover of Culture Crush magazine featuring liverpool fans in the usa

Writer Joey AX explains the communal rituals involved in supporting your team from across the pond, and why Liverpool and football in general have become so popular here.

Culture Crush is a free magazine with a limited print run and random distribution, so good luck getting your hands on one. We suggest checking your local soccer bars where copies will likely be showing up throughout the upcoming months.

Check out their website at www.theculturecrush.com

Phil Thomson outside one of the Liverpool soccer bars in new york
Photo: Janette Beckman for The Culture Crush

Liverpool Fans In East Coast Soccer Bars]]>
11339
betvisa888 betLiverpool supporters Clubs | First Touch - crickex casino http://crickex66.com/the-tragedy-of-hillsborough/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-tragedy-of-hillsborough Fri, 29 Apr 2016 10:28:13 +0000 http://new.crickex66.com/the-tragedy-of-hillsborough/ Nowadays of course, we would know exactly what was happening within seconds at Hillsborough. Back then, we knew what we were told, and not a lot more.

The Tragedy Of Hillsborough Exposed]]>

Those of us who were around at the time recall only too well just where we were when, on April 15th 1989, Hillsborough happened. Those of us who were most closely interested in it were doing the same thing as those 96 were. We were at a game, because we were football supporters.

But we came home.

By Dave Bowler

Back in April 1989, personal communications were altogether more rudimentary than they are today. You didn’t go to a football match with a phone in your pocket that has more processing power than the computers that powered the moon landings.

The best you could do to keep in touch with what was happening elsewhere in the country was to take a tiny transistor radio with you, maybe even a fancy dan Sony Walkman with a radio in it. From there you might get scratchy scoreflashes from around the land, but that was it.

So as the FA Cup semi-final unfolded at Hillsborough, few of us knew what was going on. Murmurs went around the crowd that the game had been delayed in some way or another. Early suggestions were that here might be crowd trouble of some sort, an easy enough assumption back in the 1980s when such things, though still statistically pretty rare, were far from unknown.

Cover up

Nowadays of course, we would know exactly what was happening within seconds. Any such tragedy would be filmed and photographed by thousands upon thousands of iPhones and there would be no hiding place for anyone for the images would tumble out across cyberspace through Twitter and Facebook within moments.

Back then, we knew what we were told, and not a lot more. Daft as it seems now, we tended to believe it too. And what we were told, as we know now, was a long, long way from the truth. Actually, most of us realised that at the time, that at least some, if not all of the stories were complete fabrications, designed to shift the blame from the authorities and an Establishment that routinely treated public safety ?especially that of the footballing public ?in cavalier fashion, and to place it on us.

Hillsborough_disaster

For make absolutely no mistake about it, if you were a football supporter that went to any kind of game in the 1980s, the 96 at Hillsborough, just like the 56 at Bradford, could very easily have been you or me.

Cages

Clubs paid no heed to providing a safe, secure environment in rotting concrete bowls that, in many cases, were 60, 70, 80 years old and falling apart where they stood. They caged us into pens like rats in a trap so that we could not move from the exact spot where they wanted us. Safety certificates seemingly came free with packets of Corn Flakes. What little building and repair work was done was, according to the Hillsborough Inquest, done by cutting so many corners you were left only with a vicious circle.

The police were, very often, at war with supporters. Hooliganism had unquestionably disfigured the game, but the cages, the police escorts, the provocation that ordinary, decent folk ?the 99% of the fans incidentally ?received was, in no way, proportional to the risks they caused.

But the Establishment saw football not as the national game, but the national stain. We were the new enemy within, dehumanised, treated as one homogenous, unruly mass that needed to be controlled.

Contempt For Football

The government of the day was floating ideas such as banning England fans from travelling abroad, perhaps withdrawing England from international competition altogether, and was toying with the idea of bringing in identity cards for football supporters, a draconian measure not employed for any section of society since the war.

Viewed through the lens of history, we can see that what was gathering was a hideously perfect storm, a world in which a Hillsborough not only might happen but in which it had to happen. If not there, if not then, then somewhere and soon.

As we know now, 96 people were unlawfully killed. Think of that. Unlawfully killed. And not by an axe wielding homicidal maniac, a drug addled lunatic or a psychopathic murderer. These fellow fans, fellow citizens were unlawfully killed by the actions of those we trust to keep us, our parents, our children, safe. They were unlawfully killed by the machinery of the state.

Black Ops

For those people, for those families and friends, that is unspeakable tragedy and while the events of the last days will have given some comfort, they bring none of those people back. Theirs is a personal, private grief and, after having had to live it in the public eye for 27 years, a special kind of torture, it’s time that at last we gave them the privacy that we all crave in mourning.

But beyond those losses which can never be truly understood by the rest of us, there is a wider story here in which football fans sit at the centre. Within hours of the disaster, the mother of all propaganda operations went into overdrive, what we would now call black ops.

We soon read of Liverpool supporters stealing from the dead, drunkenly urinating on them, we saw the dead being turned from victims into people somehow complicit in their own demise, their fellow supporters demonised as their uncaring killers. The government itself played a role, as did the biggest selling newspaper in the country as something little short of war was declared upon football supporters ?me and you.

KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA

Lies Discredited

The release of so many documents at the Hillsborough Inquiry and now the verdict of the Inquest have completely discredited those odious lies, pointed out with forensic clarity the duplicity of those who failed on the day and who failed thereafter, who did not understand, or chose to ignore, the fact that holding high public office means that you are responsible for all of us, that you do not pick and choose sides.

But for a time, the future of our very game was in danger and had it not been for the dogged determination of those Hillsborough families and their all consuming craving for justice for their loved ones, perhaps football as we know it would have fallen too. But their refusal to be silenced chipped away year on year, opened more and more minds day by day until gradually, we reached critical mass and the stench became too overpowering to be ignored any longer.

Hillsborough Families

In years to come, Hillsborough will be seen as an English Watergate, the point at which any remaining semblance of innocence left the public mind forever, the final nail in the coffin of a post-war dream of a benevolent Establishment that would care for us cradle to grave. Trust, once lost, never comes back, not the same way.

The Hillsborough families have done their country the most incredible service for they have changed it, they have made it clear that there really can be a holding to account of those who have done wrong, however high the office they hold. They are quite extraordinary people doing extraordinary work over an extraordinary period of time.

800px-Hillsborough_anniversary

But they will be the first to admit that they are just ordinary men and women, galvanised to do something by the most devastating circumstances, by events that, God willing, none of us will ever be required to go through. They have shown us that we all have it in ourselves to be extraordinary.

Justice For The 96

The test is for us to find those reserves and use them before tragedy demands it from us. We knew football grounds were unsafe, but we did nothing about it. We knew we were treated badly but did nothing about it. Football, this extraordinary game, and those remarkable people have shown us a better way. It’s a path we should look to take, one that will allow us to hold our heads high in future and protect one another from the horrors of the past. For history demonstrates that the only duty of care we can expect is from one to the other.

As to those who denied the truth, who deliberately smeared, who twisted grotesquely a national tragedy into a parochial political gain, let’s discuss them no further. We can leave them to their conscience, if conscience they have, for if they have none, we cannot change them anyway and we merely build up a reservoir of bitterness in ourselves, a worthless, destructive emotion. We know who they are and we know how to treat them and the organisations they still represent.

May the 96 from Hillsborough rest easy and may the families and friends who have long been tortured, finally find some peace. And those who caused such catastrophe, who lied, who cheated, who covered up the truth, the very people to whom we as citizens give our trust for our protection? May they never sleep again.


96_by_firstdescent

John Alfred Anderson (62), Colin Mark Ashcroft (19), James Gary Aspinall (18), Kester Roger Marcus Ball (16), Gerard Bernard Patrick Baron (67), Simon Bell (17), Barry Sidney Bennett (26), David John Benson (22), David William Birtle (22), Tony Bland (22), Paul David Brady (21), Andrew Mark Brookes (26), Carl Brown (18), David Steven Brown (25), Henry Thomas Burke (47), Peter Andrew Burkett (24), Paul William Carlile (19),

Raymond Thomas Chapman (50), Gary Christopher Church (19), Joseph Clark (29), Paul Clark (18), Gary Collins (22), Stephen Paul Copoc (20), Tracey Elizabeth Cox (23), James Philip Delaney (19), Christopher Barry Devonside (18), Christopher Edwards (29), Vincent Michael Fitzsimmons (34), Thomas Steven Fox (21), Jon-Paul Gilhooley (10),

Barry Glover (27), Ian Thomas Glover (20), Derrick George Godwin (24), Roy Harry Hamilton (34), Philip Hammond (14), Eric Hankin (33), Gary Harrison (27), Stephen Francis Harrison (31), Peter Andrew Harrison (15), David Hawley (39), James Robert Hennessy (29), Paul Anthony Hewitson (26), Carl Darren Hewitt (17),

Nicholas Michael Hewitt (16), Sarah Louise Hicks (19), Victoria Jane Hicks (15), Gordon Rodney Horn (20), Arthur Horrocks (41), Thomas Howard (39), Thomas Anthony Howard (14), Eric George Hughes (42), Alan Johnston (29), Christine Anne Jones (27), Gary Philip Jones (18), Richard Jones (25), Nicholas Peter Joynes (27), Anthony Peter Kelly (29), Michael David Kelly (38), Carl David Lewis (18), David William Mather (19),

Brian Christopher Mathews (38), Francis Joseph McAllister (27), John McBrien (18), Marion Hazel McCabe (21), Joseph Daniel McCarthy (21), Peter McDonnell (21), Alan McGlone (28), Keith McGrath (17), Paul Brian Murray (14), Lee Nicol (14), Stephen Francis O’Neill (17), Jonathon Owens (18), William Roy Pemberton (23) ,

Carl William Rimmer (21), David George Rimmer (38), Graham John Roberts (24), Steven Joseph Robinson (17), Henry Charles Rogers (17), Colin Andrew Hugh William Sefton (23), Inger Shah (38), Paula Ann Smith (26), Adam Edward Spearritt (14), Philip John Steele (15),

David Leonard Thomas (23), Patrik John Thompson (35), Peter Reuben Thompson (30), Stuart Paul William Thompson (17), Peter Francis Tootle (21), Christopher James Traynor (26), Martin Kevin Traynor (16), Kevin Tyrrell (15), Colin Wafer (19), Ian David Whelan (19), Martin Kenneth Wild (29), Kevin Daniel Williams (15), Graham John Wright (17).

The Tragedy Of Hillsborough Exposed]]>
4200