Joey Jones' banner and the birth of an LFC art form
'Joey Ate the Frog's Legs, Made the Swiss Roll, Now He's Munching Gladbach' – so read the most legendary banner in football history.
It was created by Liverpool supporters Phil Downey and Jimmy Cummings and it paid homage to cult hero of the Kop Joey Jones, and the part he played in Liverpool’s run to the 1977 European Cup final.
Unfurled at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on the night of the final, it has since become part of Liverpudlian folklore; one of the most enduring symbols of a truly momentous occasion.
May 25, 1977 was also the night when a mass of red and white chequered flags illuminated the Liverpool end of the ground. It was an amazing sight that set a precedent for future big games.
Previous finals involving Liverpool had been colourful occasions too but it was always scarves more than flags and banners that had been the obvious way of showing support for the team.
Flag making has since become almost an art form where Liverpool supporters are concerned and they’re no longer just confined to finals.
The Kop is now awash with them every matchday and there’s even a dedicated group (Spion Kop 1906) who co-ordinate much of the display.
These modern flags and banners come in all shapes and sizes. Some are handmade in the old-fashioned way, others are more professionally produced. They can be political, humorous, cryptic or just plain simple. They send out different messages and serve a variety of purposes; whether that is to immortalise heroes and hail past achievements, honour the club’s current stars and inspire them to new glory, fight the cause for particular campaigns or to just poke fun at the opposition.
It doesn’t matter where in the world the Reds play; if Liverpool players are on the pitch, there will be an impressive and diverse show of flags and banners in the stands.
This excerpt is taken from the LFC 125 Anniversary Book – Archives Collection.
The stunning keepsake captures the club’s rich history through world-class photography, star player profiles, rare artwork and iconic, lift-out memorabilia including full-size replica medals, Joe Fagan’s pre-match notes from the 1984 European Cup final, and Celtic’s agreement for the sale of Kenny Dalglish.
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