Liverpool FC fans joy at Carling Cup victory (VIDEO)

Feb 27 2012 by Luke Traynor, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL FC fans told of their ecstasy after invading the capital to watch the Reds pull off yet another epic trophy victory yesterday.

Thousands of Merseysiders descended on London for the Carling Cup Final which proved a rollercoaster occasion to add to the club’s already long history books.

After 120 hours of football and a penalty-shoot out, hoarse Liverpudlians were still in hearty voice waving flags and banners as they headed away from Wembley – their first trip to the new England HQ in 16 years.

Stuart Green, 36, from Broadgreen, told the ECHO: "Last night we were in Camden and had a boss night, although I did hear of some trouble with a Liverpool fan being attacked.

"I'm just ecstatic now as we're bringing the cup back to Merseyside with us! I've got to say, I preferred the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff to the new Wembley, but the atmosphere was just fantastic. The plan now is to get back on the ale!

"At half-time, even when we were losing I went up to a copper and had a bet with him we would win. I tried to have a £20 wager but he was having none of it! This is great, bringing the old glory days back to Liverpool."

Michelle Wah, 32, from Knotty Ash, was with her son Sonnie Corrigan, six, and she said: “It's been great, an experience of a lifetime.

“We came down on Saturday and stayed in a hotel. The kids have been made up. Sonnie was chanting Liverpool as much as he could.

"We had a little browse in Harrods today. In the stadium, we were sitting close to Jamie Redknapp which was good, and Sonnie got a little drunk as he had a sip of champagne as it was a special occasion.

"We were close to some Cardiff fans and there was no bad feeling."

Adam Merdassi, from Liverpool city centre, who was with his friend Rich Adams, 23, from Heswall, said: "I was up at 6am, beer in hand and straight over to Wirral to meet the rest of the boys where we had a minibus.

“It was a real party bus on the way down. We soaked up the atmosphere in the bars around Wembley and everywhere you looked there was a Red.

“We were taking over the pubs, but it was all good banter. It was a game of mixed emotions. It was never going to be easy but we stuck with the lads and were so happy to get that trophy.

"We're heading straight back now, as we've got work tomorrow. I'm glad I'm not the designated driver as we can have a few drinks on the way back to Merseyside."

Karl and Linda Daly, 46 and 45, from Huyton, had already booked a weekend in London many months ago for his birthday before fate conspired to bring Liverpool to Wembley for the final.

He added: "We came yesterday and did the tour of London before going to The Globe pub in Baker Street.

“We had family coming today but they were delayed with the trains. My nephew got up at 6am as he lives in Runcorn, charged to the station, and said, 'there’s 20 of us going, I need a minibus.’

“So we sorted that out and got a van for them down to Crewe and they all arrived here in good time.

"The Cardiff and Liverpool fans have been fantastic, not an ounce of trouble. Everyone has just been mixing in.

“It was a more calm atmosphere than previous finals I've been to. It was the friendly final for me.Opposing fans were standing next to each other having a great time."

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