On Tuesday, 12th September 2006, I achieved an important milestone in my life: to see Liverpool Football Club live. In the first game of this year’s Champions’ League campaign, Liverpool played in Eindhoven, against the local powerhouse PSV (winner of the Dutch championship the last two years). I had tried for weeks to obtain a ticket through various legitimate means, to no avail. But on the morning of the game, while sitting in a meeting in my office in Eindhoven, I received the joyous news: one of my English friends here in the Netherlands had an extra ticket!
I took no pictures of the actual game–no point in competing with the pros on the sidelines with their much bigger lenses. Instead, I concentrated on the supporters before and during the match. The weather was good, so most of the pre-game action was outdoors. Here is a very pleased PSV supporter bearing good news to his friends and would-be friends:
(Canon 1D Mark II, 24-70mm L Canon, ISO 400)
The police were out in force, as both English and Dutch football supporters have a reputation for violence. Nothing major happened, probably because of the heavy police presence. Here are some Liverpool supporters saying “cheers” to the police:
(Canon 1D Mark II, 24-70mm L Canon, ISO 400)
The police horses were ready for action too:
(Canon 1D Mark II, 24-70mm L Canon, ISO 400)
All those beer cups had to go somewhere:
(Canon 1D Mark II, 24-70mm L Canon, ISO 400)
Finally, during the game itself, a display of emotions by one of the Dutch supporters. First, anticipation:
(Canon 1D Mark II, 35mm L Canon, ISO 800)
Then, disappointment and anger:
(Canon 1D Mark II, 35mm L Canon, ISO 800)
The game ended 0-0, a result which satisfied noone but which did provide Liverpool with a useful away point. And I was happy nonetheless for finally having seen the team I have been supporting since I was 12 years old.
Let’s try and get to Anfield next time.
Comment by Nigel — 19 September 2006 @ 12:49