Jamie Carragher’s mother unexpectedly joins Champions League coverage
Jamie Carragher’s punditry work on CBS’ Champions League broadcast took an unexpected turn on Wednesday evening when his mother Paula made contact during the programme, reports BritPanorama.
The former Liverpool defender had been enjoying the Reds’ comprehensive 3-0 triumph over Marseille in the south of France when fellow analyst Micah Richards spotted a notification lighting up Carragher’s phone.
Paula had texted her son following a night out, expressing her delight at the European away victory. “Oh my god, what a win,” the message read, which Carragher shared with viewers. “Been in the theatre with Angela. Just seen the score – made up.”
Richards suggested Carragher should call his mother to get her fuller reaction to Liverpool’s European success. Initially dismissing the idea, Carragher eventually decided to ring her, only for Paula to beat him to it by calling first. “Hiya James,” she greeted her son, before confirming she had only just discovered the final score. “I said, ‘Angela! 3-0, they’ve won!'”
Upon learning that she was being broadcast live to American audiences, Paula exclaimed, “You’re joking me!” She then turned to her companion and shared her excitement.
When Richards introduced himself as “Micah… Big Meeks, they call me,” Paula appeared slightly embarrassed. However, her enthusiasm soared when Thierry Henry joined the conversation, referring to the Arsenal legend as “Tiarry.”
As interest in the call intensified, Paula suggested ending the conversation, prompting Carragher to ask whether she had enjoyed “a couple of bevvies.” “A couple, like!” was her response, generating considerable amusement among the pundits.
Carragher guided his mother towards a fitting conclusion, suggesting she bid farewell to the American audience. “Goodnight America!” Paula duly obliged, bringing the impromptu broadcast moment to a close.
The Carragher family hail from Bootle and are lifelong Liverpool natives. Paula has three sons, with Jamie being the most famous following his nearly two-decade career as a one-club man at Anfield. Interestingly, the former defender originally supported Everton as a youngster, following his father’s allegiance to the Toffees. The family have presumably since switched their loyalties to the red half of Merseyside.
Such moments in sport remind us of the human stories that often lie behind the headlines, weaving together the fabric of family, loyalty, and football in a way that resonates far beyond the pitch.
