Liverpool followers have paid tribute to LASK and town of Linz after having fun with an unusually hassle-free journey to look at the beginning of this season’s Europa League group stage.
The Reds kicked off their European marketing campaign with a 3-1 win over Thomas Sageder’s males on Thursday, but it surely was not simply issues on the pitch that thrilled the away assist.
Those that have travelled frequently to look at Liverpool lately have endured points with heavy-handed policing, stunning amenities, and bother from opposition followers.
Nonetheless, this week’s go to to Linz couldn’t have been extra completely different, making for an pleasing expertise for all those that headed over to Austria.
Reds supporter Matty Johnson instructed This Is Anfield: “It was simply so laid again.
“What makes it a bit bitter while you go overseas with Liverpool is the police presence will be heavy for no cause apart from to intimidate us.
“In Linz, there have been police round however they have been simply strolling round, watching us, smiling, and having fun with the truth that Liverpool have been on the town. They have been laughing and joking and taking pictures.
“And once we bought to the bottom, there have been no army police checkpoints outdoors, no batons, no armoured stormtroopers, none of that.
“Followers have been allowed to mingle with one another, we have been speaking to some on the bus developing they usually have been actually good enjoyable. They have been simply actually blissful to see us.”
Precisely the way it ought to be
Opposite to legal guidelines surrounding soccer matches in England, followers have been allowed to drink inside view of the pitch through the match in Linz.
They have been additionally given €2 each time they returned their plastic pint glass to the bar, an initiative that each helped preserve the stands tidy and inspired recycling.
Kopite and Anfield Wrap contributor Phil Blundell stated of his expertise on the Raiffeisen Area: “It was simply very easy accessibility to the bottom when it comes to figuring out the place you’re going and the searches weren’t confrontational.
“Inside, you possibly can get a drink and reasonable-looking meals and it wasn’t notably costly both.
“Most significantly, we have been set free at full-time and have been simply capable of stroll again below no restrictions or something.
“It was simply humane therapy, in contrast to so many different locations.”
In contrast to throughout earlier European journeys, supporters weren’t required by Liverpool to select up their tickets for the sport whereas out in Austria.
That additionally helped enhance the expertise, in accordance with Matty Johnson.
He added: “One factor that was additionally improbable was not having to exit of my method to choose up my ticket as a result of that system is an absolute shambles.
“Spirit of Shankly have stated for a very long time that we don’t want it, however they’re nonetheless persisting with it.
“The most effective instance was Inter and Benfica, the place you have been outdoors a lodge for hours attempting to select up a ticket which you can print off at residence.”
Let’s hope that related is claimed after journeys to Saint-Gilles and Toulouse.
