No regrets for Lancing Liverpool fan with ‘Premier League Champions’ tattoo: ‘It’s lives first, football second’

It looked a foregone conclusion, but nobody could have predicted the rapid, devastating onset of the Coronavirus pandemic which would turn the world upside down within two months.

With all professional football in the UK postponed, Liverpool’s march towards their first title for 30 years hangs in the balance. But 53-year-old Mark, who lives in Bishops Close, Lancing, is keeping some perspective.

“It wasn’t really a risk when I got the tattoo, was it?” he said.

“Liverpool were about 1,000-1 on to win the title. But then a pandemic came along – who could have foreseen that? You can’t plan for that.

“I still don’t regret the tattoo, but at this point it’s people’s lives first, football second. As long as people don’t die, I don’t really care. If we can come out of this relatively unscathed, who cares about football?”

Even if Liverpool are cruelly denied their maiden Premier League title while 25 points clear, Mark has vowed to keep the tattoo to celebrate the ‘moral victory’.

He said he may also add a tribute to the NHS staff and workers on the front line of the fight against Coronavirus.

After Mark’s tattoo was first revealed by the Herald in February, his story quickly went national with appearances on the BBC, in national tabloids and an interview with the Liverpool Echo.

The attention has been great, he said, but added he just wanted to enjoy the ride and avoid the negative feedback social media and comment sections can bring.

Mark said football improves people’s lives by bringing them together and giving them something to look forward to.

He suggested playing matches behind closed doors in a World Cup format at select major grounds such as Anfield, Old Trafford and the Emirates Stadium.

There could be four games every two days, he said, televised so fans could still get their fix.

The sport’s governing bodies are currently debating continuation plans which could hopefully provide some clarity on the future.

Whatever happens, safely navigating the Coronavirus pandemic must clearly remain the top priority for decision makers.

Legendary Liverpool manager Bill Shankly famously said: “Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it’s much more serious than that.” How wrong he was.