Sports & Fitness

Malaysian Liverpool fans catch Prem opener with Kop legend John Barnes

Former wing wizard jokes about rivals Man United, talks up Reds’ chances for title

Updated 3 years ago · Published on 06 Aug 2022 11:46PM

Malaysian Liverpool fans catch Prem opener with Kop legend John Barnes
Astro’s group COO and CEO for TV Euan Smith (left) speaks as former Liverpool player John Barnes (centre) and Astro presenter Reem Shahwa look on at a watch party held by Astro at Lalaport, Bukit Bintang, today. – SAKTESH SUBRAMANIAM/The Vibes pic, August 6, 2022

by Saktesh Subramaniam

KUALA LUMPUR – Approximately 200 Liverpool fans were treated to a special first day of the Premier League season as they got to watch their club take on Fulham in the presence of club legend John Barnes. 

The erstwhile wing wizard was in town to catch his former club as they kicked off the new season with diehard Liverpool fans in Lalaport, Bukit Bintang at a watch party held by Astro. 

On the prospect of the Reds squaring up against title-holders Manchester City, Barnes said both sides look formidable. 

“I think Liverpool have just as good a chance for the title this season as City. 

“In terms of consistency, both teams are miles ahead of the competition,” he said at the event.  

Barnes also took a friendly jab at rivals Manchester United, pointing out several spectators wearing the Red Devils’ colours. 

“They look sad because their team did not do very good last season.

“With how the team (Manchester United) is now, they have to give power to the manager, Erik ten Hag, otherwise it’s going to be a difficult season,” said the English Football Hall of Famer. 

The match however did not go completely as Liverpool fans would have wished as it ended in 2-2 draw

Serbian Aleksandar Mitrovic gave newly promoted Fulham the lead at the 32nd minute, but Liverpool’s €100-million man Darwin Nunez evened the scoreline with a smart flick in the second half. 

Even though Mitrovic struck again to put Fulham 2-1 up from the penalty spot in the 72nd minute, it was the Egyptian Messi, Mohamed Salah who scored in the 80th minute and gave his side a point on their opening day. 

A win would have been better, but Kopites can take away some positives moving forward knowing that their team can turn the heat up when they need to. 

Liverpool play Crystal Palace next on August 16, followed by a visit to Manchester on August 23 to face United. – The Vibes, August 6, 2022

Spotlight

Business

Tycoon Vincent Tan trims BCorp stake further in RM115m share sale

Malaysia

UMNO’s solo gamble in Johor: A show of strength or risky miscalculation?

By The Vibes Says

Malaysia

Nik Aziz’s grandson allegedly slapped by senator: Father ready to take case to court

Malaysia

Lorry driver jailed a day, fined for making obscene gestures, dangerous driving (video)

Malaysia

PKR leader defends MyKhas access suspension for PJ, Subang MPs, cites ‘political choices’

Opinion

Social media set to dominate Johor polls as election kingmaker

Malaysia

Man charged in Butterworth parang attack case that left victim fearing permanent disability

Malaysia

Teen mothers must return to school, says Fadhlina as education remains priority

Malaysia

Penang water tariffs to increase from July 1 after year-long deferment