Charity collection bucket stolen outside Anfield ahead of crucial match
A charity collection bucket was stolen outside Anfield on Tuesday evening, prompting outrage among supporters ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain, reports BritPanorama.
The organisation responsible for the collection, Fans Supporting Foodbanks, announced the theft on X, triggering widespread condemnation across the football community. Supporters described the incident as “deplorable,” expressing disbelief that someone would target donations meant for vulnerable individuals in need.
For over a decade, the charity has represented a remarkable collaboration between rival Liverpool and Everton fan groups, gathering food and essential supplies at Merseyside football grounds. Local residents can register with food pantries associated with the initiative, which serves approximately 2,500 individuals each week, showcasing how football supporters can collectively support their community.
Following the theft, Fans Supporting Foodbanks took to X to express their dismay: “After over 10 years of foodbank collections at Anfield, Goodison Park and the HDS some chancer took the opportunity to steal our collection bucket this evening. Shame on you, I hope your need is greater than the people we feed and the CCTV images are as clear as can be.”
The charity’s history began outside a pub near Goodison Park, and it has since evolved into a registered charity, achieving formal status while maintaining an embedded presence within local fan communities. Elected Chair Dave Kelly reflected on the organisation’s journey, stating, “When Robbie, Ian and I first stood outside the Winslow pub opposite Goodison Park with a wheelie bin to collect food, we never thought that ten years later we’d still be doing what we do.”
As supporters rally online, many are advocating for a new donation drive to recover the lost funds. It serves as a stark reminder of the deep connections between sporting institutions and their communities — and how even the most shared values can be tested in the most troubling ways. The resolve of fans to come together is now as pressing as ever, illustrating both the fragility and strength inherent in community spirit.
