Never walk alone Izzy’s front row seat
FOOTBALL fan Izzy Birks played a part in the match which stunned football.
Liverpool fought back from three goals down in the first leg to beat Barcelona 4-0 at Anfield and book their place in the Champions League final.
And Prestbury St Mary’s Junior School pupil Izzy Birks, nine, had one of the best views in the house – walking out alongside the stars.
She was a mascot a year after her brother Freddie did so at the same stage of the competition.
Her mum Lisa said Izzy will never forget being part of the memorable occasion.
She said: “She watched history being made. “It was incredible. We all witnessed an unbelievable comeback.
“It was either going to be heartbreak or a historic night. Izzy will remember this forever.”
After Freddie’s experience last year, Cheltenham Ladies’ College PE teacher Lisa decided to try her luck again for his older sibling.
She was stunned when she was told she would be a part of the match.
With dad Tom, 42, the family spent three hours travelling to Liverpool keeping themselves entertained by singing some of the club’s favourites such as You’ll Never Walk Alone and We’ve Conquered All Of Europe.
Lisa and Freddie went to a nearby hotel and watched on with pride as Izzy appeared on their TV screens, holding the hand of Barcelona’s Sergio Roberto.
“Tom was in the stadium and said it was amazing how everyone got behind the team,” she said. “It really spurred them on.
“Izzy described it as unbelievable and we had lots to celebrate.
“People were picking up Freddie in the hotel and swinging him around.
“The experience was called priceless and ours really was.”
The family support Liverpool as they have family nearby in St Helens and they plan to return to the city to watch the final on a big screen.
It will take place on June 1 when Jurgen Klopp’s side will face the winners of last night’s semi-final clash between Tottenham Hotspur and Dutch side Ajax.