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The Asian Kop would like to share a Mumbai Reds first experience at Anfield. Anshul Davda a resident of Mumbai (India) went to his first Liverpool match on the weekend and was treated to Liverpool’s biggest home win of the season!

We all remember the excitement of our first game at Anfield and Anshul presents his feelings and emotions openly in this candid article. Many thanks to Anshul for allowing us to share this article and we all hope you enjoy reading about his experience at Anfield.

Liverpool vs. Fulham 22nd December 2012

Match day

Flagging a taxi for Anfield, I was waiting for this ever since I landed in the UK, ever since I became a Liverpool fan years ago. The driver was happy taking us there and along the ride told me “It’s going to be a lovely game, I’ve got me-self a ticket for the next game! You probably have religion and Gods to worship, I have nothing of that sort. Football is my religion and Anfield is my church, the only one I worship is me wife.”

I was impressed and happy that the amount people love football is huge! I was filled with excitement and thrill. What I had watched on TV for almost 7 years I was about to witness in real life. I was about to see the players I had posters and wallpapers of, I was about to see them play for my club, Liverpool Football club. I could see red everywhere, red scarfs, red jerseys, red everything! And of course straight ahead, home of the glorious reds, Anfield. Everyone was ready for kick-off, and I was looking forward to the moment. I walk into the stadium, see the pitch and hear the chanting. I had been waiting for that moment for as long as I can remember. As I walk in to find my stand, I see people cheering and trying to predict the result and I am already pumped with energy. Time had come to go to my seat and to go see the famous Anfield. I walked outside and the people were cheering and I was overwhelmed with joy.

Announcements were made, just like I watched on TV and it was time for the YNWA song, the legendary song in every fan’s mind. We held up our scarfs and I was singing away, You’ll never walk alone. Squads in place, people cheering and clapping.. It was kick-off time. The whistle was blown and I couldn’t believe I was sitting at Anfield, watching Liverpool play, watching Steven Gerrard play, a legend and close to every fan’s heart. As the game progressed, I was ecstatic watching this jam-packed stadium cheer for LFC, the cheers echoed and soon a goal was scored. I jumped and shouted, just as the other thousands of people did. Then another goal, but not just any goal, it was Steven Gerrard. Yes, I had just watched Captain Gerrard score. I had just seen the legend score a goal the first time I attended a match! I felt like the luckiest person alive.

Half time was just as crazy with the fans cheering away. Everyone had a bright smile on their face, mine was brighter. This was my first ever game, I had travelled thousands of miles to watch it and I have had the best of luck. The second half started and all I wanted to see now was Raheem Sterling’s speed and Jamie Carragher on the pitch. Soon that came true. I even got to see two more goals! What more could a fan want! With everybody singing Liverpool, Liverpool, Liverpool and watching the players in front of my eyes, I was content. What I had just experienced was a once in a lifetime experience and I got to make the most of it! My overall experience was colossal! The atmosphere, friendliness of fellow fans and the match altogether was something I will never ever forget. Even after the match, walking back, strangers were talking like long time friends about the game, discussing and cheering for LFC, I was loving every moment of it, amazing!

I am loyal to Liverpool FC and always will be. YNWA.

By Anshul Davda (Mumbai)

#YNWA

#LFC FAMILY