Anfield, Reds territory
Among the most famous grounds in the world, Anfield is not to be missed.
The stadium of the « Reds » was opened in 1884 (Everton were the tenants at the time). Its capacity has constantly evolved, even climbing to 60 000 places, before being reduced. Today, Anfield can hold 45 362 spectators.
This ground is most well known for it’s atmosphere and the famous « Kop » which holds more than 12 000 « Scousers » (the name given to the people of Liverpool). Gérard Houiller, ex manager of Liverpool states: « Anfield is fantastic and the supporters are the best in the world! They love their team, but more than anything beautiful football … ». A feeling that is shared by Grégoire Margotton, journalist at Canal+, « The stadium in itself isn’t very impressive, but very human. When you get inside you can feel that something will happen and that there is history … And when the singing starts, it’s incredible! »
Outside of the ground, the references to the past are numerous. Apart from the memorial to the 96 victims of the Hillsborough tragedy, a huge gate called « Shankly Gates » pays homage to one of the clubs greatest managers, Bill Shankly. The inscription and club motto « You ‘ll never walk alone » can be seen above the gates.
But, soon Anfield will make way for a new ground: the Stanley Park Stadium. Even if the project has been delayed, it could be finalised by 2012. More than 70 000 places are planned, only a few metres away from Anfield…
The Hillsborough tragedy
The hundred year history of Liverpool is full of success ; they share with Manchester United the record number of English titles (18), no other side has lifted the "Big eared trophy" of European champions as much as Liverpool (5).
It is also strewn with tragedy, in the image of the deepest wound which touched the heart of the Liverppol supporters: the Hillsborough tragedy.
On the 15th of April 1989, the Hillsborough stadium in Sheffield hosted the semi-final if the FA Cup between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest. The west stand, where the Liverpool supporters were housed, was without seats and quickly reached its maximum capacity. Despite this, and faced with the large number of Liverpool fans outside the stadium, the police opened a second entry, provoking a huge influx of supporters who squashed those at the front of the stand into the fences which ringed the pitch. The tragedy was dramatic, the images unwatchable. A memorial was erected at Anfield in memory of the 96 supporters who were killed.
The Hillsborough tragedy forced a huge modification of the security measures in place in British stadia : the fences disappeared and stadia have only had seating room since. This tragedy remains famous because of the meadi treatment. By announcing with a Headline « THE TRUTH », and by placing, erroneously, the responsibility of the drama at the feet of the Reds supporters, the SUN saw it’s image ruined and sales plummit in Liverpool. The daily paper would wait 15 years before presenting an apology.
There is also a few other articles about our owners, shirt colour and Heysel on their website:
http://www.olweb.fr/en/home/100007/Article/51221/The-Red-jersey
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