Ipoh fans celebrate Liverpool win with open-top parade

The Star

2 days ago

Supporters at the live screening of the club's trophy lifting ceremony at a restaurant in Ipoh.
ABOUT 100 supporters of Liverpool Football Club attended a private gathering in Ipoh, Perak, to celebrate the Merseysiders' 20th English Premier League title win.
The event was organised by the club supporters' group Ipoh Kop End at the Five Thousand Years Restaurant during the live screening of the trophy lifting ceremony.
Event organiser Peter Ho said those who attended watched the match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace before the title celebration.
'We also had a correct score competition and lucky draw.
'Some members won jerseys signed by former Liverpool player Luis Garcia, official merchandise and other prizes.
'We also sang songs on stage during the trophy lifting ceremony,' he said when contacted.
Ho said as a supporter of Liverpool for over 33 years, the title triumph meant that the club was now the apex English football club.
'I believe it's just the beginning and there'll be more to come.
'We are planning to hold another gathering for the first match of next season at the restaurant in August, so I hope that more can join in,' he added.
The open-top bus with supporters driving through Ipoh to celebrate Liverpool's 20th English Premier League title win.
Veteran coach and lifelong supporter of Liverpool Datuk M. Karathu, who was the event's guest of honour, said he was happy to see so many fans gathered there.
'I am thankful to the organiser for bringing together so many supporters for this celebration,' he said.
Karathu, who has also coached the Perak football team, however could not hide his disappointment about what was happening to Perak FC.
'It pains me to think that fans in the state will not have a team to support in the Malaysian Super League next season,' he added.
Perak FC had said that it would officially stop all its operations due to financial issues.
XOX Pro Sport Sdn Bhd, the club's owners, announced that it would withdraw from the league and were hoping to sell the club.
Earlier, about 40 members of the Liverpool supporters' group also took part in an open-top bus parade through the city centre.
The bus set off from Ipoh Padang and made its way to Jalan Sultan Idris Shah, Ipoh Railway Station, Ipoh Old Town and Birch Memorial Clock Tower, before returning to Ipoh Padang.
Parade co-organiser Edwin Seibel Nathan said participants had a wonderful time on board.
'It rained earlier, but it stopped as we boarded the bus, so the cool weather made it even more enjoyable,' he said.
'There were people waving as we passed by and cars honking as well.
'Some who couldn't join in the parade came to the field to send us off and welcome us back.'
He said many participants took pictures with a replica trophy that he brought along.
'Many said they want to do this again if Liverpool wins another trophy,' he added.