by
Ryan Clement
This week I was driving to court. I was thinking about the upcoming ‘Man U’ match and my last trip to Anfield, which was the game against Everton, the Merseyside Derby.
My journey took me through Crystal Palace, where, at Selhurst Park, only the weekend before, Liverpool got a late winner to secure all three points and move them to the top of the Premier League. I was driving to Croydon where I parked my car for court. On my way I noticed flowers and pictures on the other side of the road, my right side. The building was adjacent to where I was going to park, so I parked and walked over. I was reminded of the horror that occurred on 27 September 2023.
It was the site where a beautiful 15 years young schoolgirl, Elianne Andam, lost her life in the most tragic circumstances. Her future was taken away from her when her life was needlessly taken away. It was devastating to be at a site of this tragedy, this horror. It was painful at the time when the news broke on social media, newspapers, television and radio. It was worse, standing at the actually site where one day she said goodbye to her family to embark on her journey to school, embark on her studies to shape her bright future. She was never to return. How very very cruel. Why?
Manchester United are, traditionally, a big rival to Liverpool for many reasons. As a Chiswick born person, growing up in Hammersmith and schooled in Fulham, all in London, I have not personally experienced any city-rivalry between the two. Mine is based solely on the football. However, win, lose or draw, I want to see a good game. Yes, I am a Liverpool fan, but the game, rivalry and result must be put in its proper and rightful perspective. As the 57,000 capacity crowd gather to watch the rivals battle it out to either maintain their top spot or move up the table, there are many people suffering horrendous of lives as I right. There are many who will be facing this time of year without a loved one for the first time. They’ll be many who will face this Festive Season – for some who celebrate it – without someone’s joyful smile that was with them only this time last year! My thoughts are with them.
PS The Liverpool v Manchester United finished 0-0
Copyright © Ryan Clement 2023
Ryan Clement 