One committed Liverpool supporter came under ridiculous scrutiny following his approach to contributing to the Anfield atmosphere.
Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Burnley can serve as a major turning point for the Reds as they look to end the 2016/17 campaign strongly and finish in the Premier League‘s top four.
But beyond Georginio Wijnaldum, Emre Can and finally winning “ugly,” one of the biggest focuses after the game came from the stands.
As You’ll Never Walk Alone rang out around Anfield, one supporter was photographed holding a handwritten lyric sheet for Liverpool’s iconic anthem, in his efforts to join the throng.
This was then, unfairly, highlighted by the Liverpool Echo newspaper and held up for debate among supporters, questioning the need for a reminder of what is a matchday tradition.
Fortunately, though, especially given the lack of context surrounding this admirable effort, this earnest contribution was roundly defended:
A Liverpool fan wrote down the lyrics of You'll Never Walk Alone, so he could get involved in the atmosphere & he's being mocked? pic.twitter.com/eqxQXnnsd0
— VOIROSSI (@voirossi) March 12, 2017
Song sheet > The number of "seasoned Anfield attendees" who stand arms folded in silence cos theyre too hard/too old/too experienced to sing
— Karl Matchett (@karlmatchett) March 12, 2017
If some guy who's probably never been to anfield before needs a songsheet to join in with ynwa then good on him at least he's getting
— the reds are boss lads??????? (@hitman8976rawk) March 13, 2017
Involved in things and supporting the team… Maybe a few of the more "seasoned" attendees should get a songsheet rather than sitting quiet?
— the reds are boss lads??????? (@hitman8976rawk) March 13, 2017
if it means he's singing, brilliant!
— Kath Sian (@Kathryn_B87) March 12, 2017
That handwritten lyrics have been a feature at Anfield before, and it wasn't a issue then and isn't now. #lfc https://t.co/g0Jy2XtqM5 pic.twitter.com/0yeh7plokW
— David Phillips (@lovefutebol) March 12, 2017
https://twitter.com/JoeyBurns87/status/841050117138468864
Least they want to sing, unlike 90% of the ground.
— Martin (@Turner_LFC) March 12, 2017
I found a song sheet from the 1971 Charity Shield in a box last week, I don't think it was an issue back then, was it?
— James Chipshop (@JimmysChippy) March 12, 2017
https://twitter.com/Durban_Debz/status/840981217793232896
Indeed, if anything here is a "sin", it's the fan taking pictures like this rather than welcoming someone to Anfield and having a chat. #lfc
— David Phillips (@lovefutebol) March 12, 2017
https://twitter.com/zkgoh/status/840980455428087809
https://twitter.com/D3cl8n/status/840980056860164096
https://twitter.com/TheFamousKop/status/841025264905777153
https://twitter.com/impressed68/status/841040993633746944
This supporter’s move to help improve to the atmosphere at Anfield by joining in with You’ll Never Walk Alone should not be left open for ridicule, particularly given no prior knowledge of their background.
With the atmosphere throughout Liverpool games under question of late, this should be applauded, and as many supporters pointed out, this is far more constructive than those grumbling.
Jurgen Klopp has spent much of his Reds tenure calling for an improved mood during games, and the German would no doubt advocate this.
That supporters have defended it, too, suggests a step in the right direction—as someone singing along by any means is better than standing, arms folded, waiting to be entertained.
What’s a shame is that the local newspaper opted to publish such content in their need to meet traffic requirements and generate them clicks.
Update: The Liverpool Echo pulled their article on Monday afternoon after a barrage of complaints.
