A party for the Red Men May 19

The Pub Column was lucky enough to be at the Ataturk Stadium to witness the miracle, but found out later just how many people packed into the pubs to watch the action on the big screens that many now consider a prerequisite of a modern boozer.

The argument of whether pubs should have plasma and/or big screens we’ll leave to the purists for now.

The fact is that most pubs with screens are prepared for a bumper booze-up.

Biggest of the big screens will arguably not be in a pub but in the Philharmonic Hall on Hope Street.

It will be showing the game free on its 23ft by 19ft screen, and the Hall’s lovely publicist Jenny Morgan says that entry is free but by ticket only for the downstairs stalls which has a 600 capacity.

Elsewhere, something of a siege mentality is developing. Ritchie Owen, at The Exchange, on Old Hall Street, estimates probably an extra 30,000 people came into the city to watch the Istanbul final, including those who didn’t bother immediately going home from work.

He doesn’t expect it to be any different this time.

“By 6.30, I’m expecting this place to be packed out same as it was two years ago.�

At Thomas Rigby’s on Dale Street, landlady Fiona Watkin said that a special three-course Greek meal at their Courtyard restaurant next door is nearly sold out.

Diners are guaranteed a seat for the whole of the match with undisturbed views of two large plasma screens.

But, speaking like a true bitter and twisted Bluenose, Fiona proclaims: “I’d personally rather be watching Corrie and The Bill.�

At The Lion, on Tithebarn Street, John O’Dowd says he is prepared for every possible contingency.

“When we won last time, we had a party of Irish drinkers in here and one of them got up and started dancing on top of the bar.

“But he was very polite and asked for permission first!�

At The Liverpool, on James Street, a magnet for all Reds, landlady Paula Billingsley has hired local singer Stevie Mac to get everybody in the mood singing famous Anfield anthems before and after the game.

“This is one night my son Carl, who’s an Evertonian poor lad, will be staying away. Unless they lose, of course,� says the jovial Paula.

Another flagship pub for supporters is naturally The Red House, in Maghull, which has counted Ian Rush, Kenny Dalglish, Alan Hansen and Mark Lawrenson among its regulars.

It will be packed to the rafters, says Dave Barrington, who will be looking after the pub while daughter Lisa and husband Steve fly out to Athens on Monday.

“We’re not organising anything special – we don’t need to.

“It will be so packed in the bar and lounge there won’t be room to move,� says Dave, who will be hanging giant Reds flags outside on the night.

Even that most Bluenose of pubs, the Winslow, opposite Goodison Park, is reluctantly accepting the facts of life.

Landlady Sarah Baildon says: “Outside of match days, a lot of our customers are Reds so we’ll have the game on and they will be tolerated, although some of the Blues watching will be wearing Milan shirts!�

Ah Bless! We wouldn’t have it any other way.