How Anfield’s atmosphere brings Liverpool FC fans together | OneFootball

Not many stadiums in world football can match the sheer intensity and passion of the crowd at Anfield on a matchday. The home of Liverpool FC is more than just a football ground – it’s a place where generations of supporters with a shared love for the club come together.

Think of amazing and historic stadiums around the world and a few will immediately come to mind. In the UK, Anfield is definitely one that can stake a claim for the best atmosphere.

It has been described as legendary, and from the moment fans step through the turnstiles to the final whistle, the fans are there with their team. Whether it’s a routine league game that Liverpool are expected to win or a European night under the lights, Anfield has a way of bringing people together.

Those who regularly attend football matches will know that it isn’t just about the game unfolding in front of them – the event is a whole-day thing. It may involve choosing some of the best betting markets and having a flutter on the game – the fiery atmosphere of Anfield could even have a part to play in the way that the game unfolds. With so many different events and betting companies vying for attention, there are hundreds of different options for bettors, and AskGamblers UK lists some of the top betting companies for bonuses and markets.

The football is the main event but the bars around the area tend to be full after the game, and there are loads of places where people go afterwards to chat about the match and the referee’s performance!

A stadium steeped in history

Anfield stadium as it looked in period between 1928 (when the roof over the Kop was built) and June 1956 – Ben Sutherland, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Nobody can argue with Anfield’s history. Anfield has been Liverpool’s fortress since 1892, and in that time, it has witnessed some of the most iconic moments in football history.

Fans have seen dramatic title wins and historic European comebacks, and the stadium has been at the heart of it all. The famous Kop – once a vast standing terrace and now a single-tiered stand – has long been the centre of the club’s vocal support. Over the decades, countless fans have packed into the Kop and sang at the top of their lungs to create an atmosphere that has left opposition teams in awe.

While many modern stadiums have become corporate structures, Anfield has retained its character. The close proximity of the fans to the pitch as well as the roar that echoes through the stands make it one of the most special football venues in the world.

The recent good performance of the team has meant Anfield can be enjoyed at its best – though we haven’t quite hit the record-breaking decibel levels heard back in 2011.

The songs that echo through the stands

What do most people think of when they first think of going to Anfield? It is the anthem that rings around the stands. One of the defining features of Anfield’s atmosphere is the singing. Liverpool’s fans are famous for their ability to turn the stadium into a sea of sound and chants to spur their team on.

The most iconic of them all is, of course, You’ll Never Walk Alone. Before every home game, the entire stadium joins in to sing the club’s anthem, with their scarves held high.

The song has a bit of an odd history, as it was originally from the musical Carousel. It became associated with Liverpool in the 1960s and has since become a symbol of unity and passion. Hearing tens of thousands of voices belting it out in unison is enough to give anyone goose bumps.

Beyond You’ll Never Walk Alone, Anfield has an extensive songbook. Chants dedicated to club legends, including Kenny Dalglish and Steven Gerrard, echo through the stands. There are songs for current players, and of course, we’ll hear some (hopefully lighthearted) digs at rival clubs.

You’ll Never Walk Alone isn’t just the anthem of the team – it has become a motto for the club, with YNWA adorning things like social media profiles and banners.

Does the atmosphere really make a difference?

Source: pexels.com

Footballers and managers often talk about the impact of the Anfield crowd, particularly on big European nights. Jürgen Klopp frequently praised the fans for creating an environment that lifts the team. Klopp’s legacy is explored in a new documentary and there are some spine-tingling moments involving the loud fans encouraging their team.

Opposition players have also admitted that playing at Anfield can be an overwhelming experience, with the noise and energy making it difficult to focus.



One of the best examples of Anfield’s atmosphere influencing a game was the famous 4-0 comeback against Barcelona in the 2019 Champions League semi-final. After losing 3-0 in the first leg, very few gave Liverpool a chance of turning it around. But from the very first whistle, the crowd drove the team forward.

By the time the final whistle blew, Anfield had witnessed yet another miracle, and the belief among the fans had played a massive role in making it happen.

Football fans know that a loud, passionate crowd can unsettle opponents and even force mistakes. Liverpool’s fans and players are more closely involved than those of many other clubs and there is a real sense of unity and mutual respect.

Conclusion

Anfield is one of the older stadiums in the UK and many clubs are replacing their historic stadiums with modern facilities. Sometimes these are functional but a lot of the time they fall short when it comes to creating the kind of atmosphere we expect and long for. Anfield has the benefit of being something of a cauldron and a difficult place for any team to play at.

This season is proving to be another of the special times that people have shared at Anfield, and will continue to make memories for the fans. The team could even be on for a historic double or treble, depending on how the season pans out.