A Sunderland fan has publicly praised the attitude of some Everton fans that they encountered in their team’s 6-2 loss to the Toffees, according to the Liverpool Echo.
The fan in question is a 59 year old John Marshall.
Despite an embarrassing 6-2 loss, the Black Cats supporter wrote a heart-warming letter about the praised Everton supporters.
Marshall described the event as a ‘great day for the human race and football people everywhere.’
Marshall had travelled to Goodison Park with his son and a friend. He later explained that he had never experience such politeness from fans of the other team.
His letter said:
If you should ever despair about the heart of Britain or the strength of human nature – take a trip to Everton.
Little can prepare you for the approach to Goodison Park with boarded up shops and run down pubs on every corner.
It feels like Thatcher resigned last week. As visiting Sunderland fans we know something about the lack of investment in our former centres of industry. We headed to a run down pub called Bradley’s wine bar for a pre-game drink. A bigger misnomer you might struggle to find. It looks more like a urinal from the outside.
The surroundings were reminiscent of run down bars in the seventies – but that’s where the criticism stopped. The staff made us feel like old friends and the choice of beers was fantastic, with a pint of mild coming in at £2.
Everton striker Arouna Koné scored a hat-trick against the Black Cats as the Blues dominated the relegation threatened side; and despite this, the Toffees’ fans have been praised and referred to as ‘fabulous people.’
Marshall’s message to the Everton fans has been accepted and heavily appreciated, his letter also praised Everton as he believes that:
The future of our proud nation is safe in the hands of the vast majority of football fans who follow their teams up and down the country or simply welcome kindred spirits to their home turf.
The 59 year old finished off by saying that:
Football is not about FIFA, huge salaries or ego; but rather the real people who give so much to their sport and expect so little.
The Toffees travel to Upton Park next in order to play an in-form West Ham United, who have had a few troubles at home this season.
