It was on the steps of St George’s Hall where Bill Shankly made one of his most famous speeches.
As a reported half a million Liverpool supporters gathered, the legendary Reds boss boldly stated: “Chairman Mao has never seen the greatest show of red strength.”
The famous city landmark would again play host to similar scenes when the triumphant Champions League winning team returned from Istanbul in 2005.
What was so striking about the turn out back in 1971, however, was that Liverpool had actually lost in the FA Cup final the day before.
Arsenal’s Charlie George had broken Scouse hearts but that wasn’t going to deter the masses from giving Shankly and his team a heroes’ welcome home.
Together with Shankly’s defiance in defeat that day, it was at St George’s Hall where one of the most iconic images of the legendary manager was snapped; Shankly stood with his arms outstretched as the crowd went wild beneath him.
The bond between Shankly and the fans is why Liverpool supporters group Spirit of Shankly take their name from the great Scot.
And all of this is why they have chosen St George’s Hall as the venue for a rally tomorrow.
The ‘Independence Rally’ gets underway at noon on St George’s Hall plateau and is an open forum for Reds supporters to voice their concerns about how Liverpool Football Club’s ownership under American Tom Hicks and George Gillett.
The line-up for the rally includes addresses by Shankly’s granddaughter and Spirit of Shankly patron Karen Gill; Liverpool legend and Share Liverpool board member John Aldridge; MP for Walton and former Lord Mayor of Liverpool Steve Rotheram; actor and star of One Night in Istanbul Neil Fitzmaurice comedian John Bishop; plus Spirit Of Shankly representatives who will issue a ‘Declaration of Independence.’
There will also be live music from Ian McNabb (Icicle Works), John Power (Cast and The La’s), Peter Hooton (The Farm), John O’Connell (Groundpig), Pete Wylie (The Wah!) and the Sons of Anfield.
A Spirit of Shankly statement read: “The rally is an opportunity to get together and talk about plans for our independence from the American ownership of Tom Hicks and George Gillett.
“As fans grow increasingly angry at their lies and false promises, and the club continues to lurch along, we will be talking about how we plan to ensure the club’s future.
“The day is for everyone, of all generations, to come together and hear how we can protect our club and its future.
“This event is for everyone who cares about Liverpool FC, our current predicament and our future to make sure the current situation is resolved and never happens again.”
Also on the agenda will be plans for supporter ownership and a credit union that will allow all members and fans, a protected, affordable way of saving and safe-guarding their money, which can then be used to buy a share in any future takeover/share purchase plan at the club.
Added the statement: “We are continuing discussions with Share Liverpool about how the two organisations can work together to truly ensure a united voice, speaking out on behalf of Liverpool supporters.
“This is our club. This is our chance to make our feelings known. This is our Independence Day. Make yourself heard and be there. Help save and protect our heritage, our history, our traditions and most of all, our football club.”
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