13 Apr 2026 14:20:45
I am a Liverpool fan from the States - since the mid-80s. I retire from school teaching after next year, and my family has already gifted me a trip to see Anfield and the Reds in 2027. However, I have read several posts on LFC fan forums, including this one, bemoaning the sight of "plastic" fans and "non-locals" at matches.
Simple question. As a Reds fan from afar, will I even be welcome at Anfield?
13 Apr 2026 15:08:28
Yes, my friend. You will be welcome, and you will have a great time. (Hopefully the team will be playing well again next year).
13 Apr 2026 15:21:06
All Reds are welcome at Anfield, mate. Apart from Michael Owen. ?
13 Apr 2026 15:26:21
What FC8 said. Once a Red always a Red. Enjoy the match YNWA.
13 Apr 2026 15:43:56
Everyone is welcome at Anfield, mate.
There are frustrations from some ST holders and regular match-going fans. Some believe locals are being priced out of games and there is an overabundance of 'day trippers' who don't really support the club and don't contribute to the atmosphere.
It is the same up and down the country.
Turn up, show your support and get behind the team. That's all anyone asks for, mate. Do that and you deserve to be there as much as any other local!
13 Apr 2026 15:58:10
Wouldn't worry at all about it, mate, you're a red.
You'll have a belter time. Get into some of the boozers around the ground beforehand and soak up all the atmosphere you can!
???
Ken.
13 Apr 2026 16:11:00
@Beauty, mate, don't listen to anyone or anything. You have a chance of a lifetime to watch LFC at Anfield. Why are you allowing other people to take your fun away?
Go have the time of your life at the ground and drink it all in, man. Have a pint for those of us who aren't so lucky, btw.
Enjoy!!
13 Apr 2026 15:22:39
Mate, I'm originally South African and still come with the accent. I've been attending games since 2007 and I can tell you, you'll definitely feel welcome and the locals are genuinely friendly and accommodating people. Love every minute and cannot stress what a brilliant city Liverpool is.
That being said, and I don't know the numbers off hand but, I do believe the game in general is being pulled away from local supporters and becoming more commercial. Season ticket holders represent a small portion of the seats on show which obviously means the authenticity/atmosphere of local lads is being limited within anfield. That's obviously being plugged by foreign supporters across the world, who some can't speak English let alone club songs. So that may be considered plastic to some. I think the main issue from the people I speak to is the distribution of tickets from season ticket holders to the wider public.
That's my opinion, and I'm happy to be corrected. I'm not local, nor do I live in the city. Just what I've seen and heard while living in the UK.
I'm sure the Ed's and local lads have a better read on it that I have.
13 Apr 2026 16:16:47
Ignore them, mate. Essentially, you have a group of supporters driven by Spirit of Shankley who believe it's their god given right to hoard season tickets forever for the club.
They want a certain amount of tickets for locals at lower prices, no tickets to be sold ideally above 15 miles from the ground, the right to pass on their tickets to children etc etc.
They will never be happy until only their families' descendants can go to games.
Ignore em, pal.
13 Apr 2026 16:52:48
Same boat, mate, had my first Anfield experience in 2010. We were down to the bones back then, but it was an experience I will never forget. Made two friends at the pub after the game, and was best man at one's wedding. Been a few times at Anfield and every time is a moment cemented in stone for me.
13 Apr 2026 17:23:44
OP, just don't call it "soccer" and you'll be great! Learn a few songs and get into the boozer.
13 Apr 2026 17:53:23
What website do they use to get tickets for the 27/28 season?
13 Apr 2026 18:03:43
It's all our club, my friend. YNWA.
13 Apr 2026 17:59:28
I'm irish and I've always felt welcome at Anfield.
And not just Anfield, Liverpool as a city is so welcoming.
Even the blue noses, ain't that right ed25?
{Ed025's Note - its a very welcoming city MLG, the people are nice, the city is great and we also have 2 very good football teams...Everton and Tranmere.. :)
13 Apr 2026 18:22:25
Ed0025 and a great one
{Ed025's Note - certainly used to be JK.. :)
13 Apr 2026 18:46:20
I am from the US and attended a match at Anfield in September. My wife and I felt very welcome. Spoke to a lot of locals and other supporters from out of the area. It was one of the best experiences of my life.
13 Apr 2026 19:32:36
Congratulations on your retirement and thanks for your efforts in educating the youngsters. ?
Of course you'll be welcome at Anfield, there's no question about it.
Definitely learn some songs and join in, that's very important.
Definitely have a scarf held aloft as you sing YNWA before kickoff.
You'll have a great time. Let's hope the team performs.
{Ed025's Note - spot on Ron..
13 Apr 2026 18:41:49
Yes edd 25 your right you do have two good teams Everton and Tranmere ladies teams in the city.
13 Apr 2026 20:59:42
Cheer us on no matter what, sing as loud as you can! That's all we ask. Enjoy it, mate. YNWA.
14 Apr 2026 02:52:45
Also a LFC fan from the States and had a work trip to London in Oct. Took advantage to spend my entire retirement account (ok, not quite, but ouch) in an attempt to experience the dream. Saw us lose to Man U. Yet...... It. Was. The. Dream. Look forward to it as much as you can, overset expectations as much as you like, set the experience up for failure to the nth degree.......... you still will not be disappointed. American sports are awesome in person, this is another level and you get nothing of it from tv.
The people were all awesome and I have a very American accent (southern drawl, despite never living there....... never figured out how that happened). Like others have said, go early. Hell, go very early, stupid early. So much to see, so much to experience, so many friendly people to talk to. I was alone in a city of strangers and felt at home. Kind of like a Grateful Dead concert if that means anything to you.