When is a myth not a myth? When it has been debunked often enough, of course, and most pertinently, when the counter-view – one that lies considerably closer to the truth – is believed by the vast majority.
In that regard, the long-held misconception that Liverpool’s Anfield is a ferocious cauldron of intimidating noise and passion has firmly been put to bed and we can all go about our lives, feeling better about ourselves having corrected a wrong.
Because no supporter these days believes that Anfield is a particularly special place anymore, one that rocks L4 to its very foundations on matchdays.
It used to be special. No-one would dare dispute that.
Back in the day, the world-famous Kop swayed as an enormous single organism, emitting a guttural roar that played with your emotions, and sang such a variety of songs it was like a chart rundown in football form.
Only then, in the modern era, away fans stopped being surprised at Anfield only briefly sparking into life immediately prior to kick-off with a lukewarm version of You’ll Never Walk Alone, before settling into a communal silence for the rest of the afternoon.
At home meanwhile, viewers tuning in to watch a side whose Premier League odds have them priced at 4/1 to win the title this year, grew tired of adjusting their set, wondering why only the travelling contingent could be heard through the speakers.
Even Liverpool fans have come around to the idea that Anfield is akin to a library, despite their club being in possession of an immensely talented squad, not to mention Jurgen Klopp, who closely rivals Pep Guardiola in being the Premier League’s best manager.
Researching this article brought up several think-pieces offering theories as to why Anfield is so remorselessly flat. All were penned by respected writers with a distinctly red allegiance.
Jurgen Klopp says he wants the ‘best atmosphere ever’ inside Anfield on Saturday #LFC https://t.co/rmjnEd0go2
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) April 1, 2022
The ‘why’ however is easy to determine, and furthermore it excuses Liverpool fans for the large part, with a shift in culture to blame rather than the thousands who turn up voiceless.
Time was when we went to games to vent, to unleash the frustrations that built up throughout a working week. But nobody really does that anymore.
Instead, we pay a large amount of money for entry and for that money we expect to be entertained, and when all-seater stadia is added to the equation the modern-day match-going experience mirrors that of an outdoor theatre. The deafening bear-pits of yesteryear are sadly long gone.
Which applies too to the Emirates, and the Etihad, and even Old Trafford, a ground that used to be eulogized – ironically in this context - as a ‘theatre of dreams’. Now, unless there is something to really shout about, it’s merely a theatre.
So why therefore, is there any need for this article, if the supposedly feted Anfield atmosphere is widely accepted to be a fallacy? It’s a valid question, but note the word used earlier – supporters.
We know it’s a nonsense. Now if only the television networks could also wise up, we really would be getting somewhere.
Sadly, there is little sign yet of that happening as each live broadcast that features the Reds quietens in whispered reverence of YNWA before we are subjected to ninety minutes of misdirection, as the Anfield atmosphere is venerated every few minutes in commentary, all to contradictory silence.
They have a product to sell you see, and a big part of that product is atmosphere, especially with all the Premier League predictions anticipating another tense title battle with Manchester City.
In TV land, excitement and sporting drama should be a noisy affair, even when it’s not. It's an approach that fools very few and by and large we can now finally state that the Anfield atmosphere myth has been shushed for good.
