Where Are They Now? Volume Five: Grinch Edition
With “Where Are They Now?”, I provide updates on memorable figures from Liverpool’s recent past. So far, I’ve focused on catching up with old friends. This is mostly because these former players and managers have a vivid place in our fan memories. However, there are some villains and heel figures, I won’t say enemies, that loom large in our collective conscience. Put your hands together but not to clap for the Grinch edition of the series.
READ MORE: Where Are They Now? Volume Four: Gaffer Edition by Chris Hallenbrook
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PURVEYOR OF THE DARK ARTS
It would be too much to say that Sergio Ramos cost us a European Cup. Liverpool was the underdog in Kyiv. However, this particular Grinch made the 2018 UCL Final a story about the Dark Arts of Football. His judo throw on Mo Salah left the Reds without their best scorer. He lost any benefit of the doubt about his intentions as he laughed when Salah was taken off.
The two howlers that effectively ended Loris Karius’ career in Europe’s major leagues came after he was concussed by Ramos. The five and a half years since that fateful final have been full of trophies and injuries for the former Spain captain. The win over Liverpool was his final Champions League crown, but he won domestic titles with Real Madrid (2020) and PSG (2022, 2023).
Ramos returned to his roots with Sevilla but hasn’t turned over a new leaf. He was red-carded in his most recent league match, which is fitting seeing how he holds a share of the record for most Champions League reds. That’s a very Ramos set of accomplishments.
THE ANTAGONIST
Richarlison draws a lot of strong opinions. For Evertonians, his departure to Spurs stung. For me, this Brazilian Grinch was in the middle of the one Merseyside Derby to truly make my blood boil.
His reckless (no relation to the fine purveyors of our sponsored coffee) challenge on Thiago Alcantara cost the latter months due to injury. While it is not all Richarlison’s fault, Thiago has never found a solid run of health since. The only good to come of it was that the Brazilian international was sent off with a deserved straight red.
Since moving to Tottenham, he’s struggled. The striker has just 4 goals in 40 games, albeit one coming in the 4-3 slugfest last year. I’d like to be smug, but this fall Richarlison had the courage to open up about people in his life who were preying on his wealth. Good on him for addressing his mental health challenges and seeking help for them.
THE INFLATABLE GRINCH
Liverpool versus Sunderland, 2009. Liverpool were away at the Stadium of Light and Rafa’s Reds fell to the Black Cats 1-0. How you ask?
Liverpool supporters were hitting a red beach ball with the LFC crest on it around the stands. The ball somehow made its way onto the field of play and in front of keeper Pepe Reina. Darren Bent struck a shot going straight at our stopper…until it hit the beach ball. The carom sent the inflatable ball harmlessly wide and Bent’s effort into the back of the net. Pre-VAR, the referee had no help on the back end and allowed the goal to stand.
One would hope that this vile ball was destroyed, in a landfill, or shot into the sun. But alas, no such luck. It’s a piece of history in the National Football Museum in Manchester. Because of course it’s in Manchester.
Fandom lets us feel a wide range of emotions. We remember moments for better and for worse. As the fixtures come thick and fast over the holidays, let’s focus on making more memories, and avoiding beach balls!
