Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Ted Hennessey

Fans vow to ‘make Paris a nightclub’ if Liverpool win Champions League final

PA Wire

Liverpool fans have promised wild celebrations in Paris if their side wins the Champions League final.

The Reds will take on 13-time winners Real Madrid at the Stade de France, just north of the city, on Saturday evening.

A carnival-like atmosphere swept the streets of the French capital as tens of thousands of supporters crowded across the city.

One supporter, named Henry Lyne, 31, told the PA news agency: “We’re on the home stretch now, I’m nervous but excited at the same time.

“I think we have the momentum, the better team spirit and the pedigree needed to get the job done.

“If we win I’ll probably be found wandering the streets of Paris singing, the city won’t sleep.”

Lisa Hedges, 33, from Northern Ireland, said: “It’s so good to see so many Reds over here, let’s get the job done now boys.

“We’re going to make Paris a nightclub if we win, I can’t wait.”

Thousands of Liverpool supporters in a fan zone in Paris (Jacob King/PA) (PA Wire)

As many as 50,000 to 60,000 supporters, largely ticketless, began gathering early in the day in different parts of the city, telling of nerves and excitement.

Merseyside Police’s Liverpool matchday policing Twitter account posted: “Just been made aware of an attempted theft up at the stadium.

“What appears to be local youths snatching off people and running off.

“Look after you belongings. Look out for each other. Stay safe.”

Liverpool great Kenny Dalglish, UFC fighter Paddy Pimblett and musician Ian Broudie joined a huge sea of red shirts in the Cours de Vincennes area in the south east of the city, where a fan zone was set up.

Sir Kenny Dalglish greets supporters (Jacob King/PA) (PA Wire)

The crowd appeared to stretch at least a mile under a sunny Parisian sky, with thousands denied entry after the area filled up.

Pimblett was greeting fans in a Liverpool hat, while Broudie performed in front of the crowd.

Footballs were kicked in the air and banners flown while flares – which were prohibited by French authorities – were let off in the fan zone.

Some fans were hanging high above the crowd on lampposts, letting off flares.

The huge crowd then sang the club’s unofficial anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone before cheering Dalglish to a stage.

He told the crowd how remarkable Liverpool’s season had been before fans chanted his name.

I’m sat here on top of some statue in Paris with my mates, there’s nothing more you need. Just a few beers and hopefully a win for the Reds, lovely

Liverpool fan

A heavy police presence is in the area, including armed officers.

Supporter Ricky White, 45, from Aintree, told the PA news agency: “I’m nervous now, hearing King Kenny speak, seeing the fans, I really hope we do it.

“This is a special club which deserves success, I just hope it happens.”

John Racks, 39, from the Wirral, said: “Yeah, the drinking started early, the sun’s out now and it’s getting to my head a bit.

“I’d like to say at nearly 40 I’m careful but I kind of got lost and started drinking this morning, now I’m smashed.

“The atmosphere here is boss, the city is red.”

(PA Graphics) (PA Graphics)

Another said: “I’m sat here on top of some statue in Paris with my mates, there’s nothing more you need. Just a few beers and hopefully a win for the Reds, lovely.”

Fans were carrying large boxes of beer and singing about team manager Jurgen Klopp and the players.

Luke Queens, 23, said: “I’m proper nervous – confident in the team but it’s a final isn’t it?

“I hope the beer settles my nerves before then, we need the first goal.”

When the fan event ended supporters moved on to nearby pubs and bars.

The game is expected to be screened at the area from 9pm local time.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.