Austin Healey's regretful exit from Goodison Park during a thrilling derby match.
In a dramatic climax to the storied history of Goodison Park, over 35,000 Everton fans witnessed a thrilling Merseyside derby that ended in a 2-2 draw against Liverpool. However, one notable figure, former England rugby star Austin Healey, left the stadium with a heavy heart, having made a decision that would haunt him for years to come.
The rollercoaster of emotions
The match was filled with excitement and tension, starting with Beto’s opening goal for Everton in the 11th minute, igniting jubilation among the home supporters. This joy was short-lived, as Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister equalized just five minutes later.
The game continued to ebb and flow, with Mohamed Salah putting Liverpool ahead in the second half, only for Everton to stage a dramatic comeback in stoppage time.
James Tarkowski’s stunning volley in the eighth minute of added time not only secured a point for Everton but also led to a mini pitch invasion by ecstatic fans. The atmosphere was electric, yet Healey, a lifelong Everton supporter, was not present to witness the climax of the match. He had made the fateful choice to leave the stadium early, a decision he would later regret deeply.
A lesson learned the hard way
During a candid discussion on talkSPORT’s Sports Bar with Jamie O’Hara and Jason Cundy, Healey recounted the moment he and his friend decided to exit the stadium with ten minutes remaining. “I said to my mate, ‘Look, we’re not leaving early and somebody always scores in the last minute.’ But as the clock ticked down, we made the mistake of leaving,” he lamented. The shock of missing Tarkowski’s last-gasp goal left him feeling devastated.
Healey’s admission drew disbelief from the hosts, who questioned how a seasoned athlete could make such a blunder. “It’s bad. After all that, five hours in a car, I missed the goal that sealed the most emotional end to a Goodison match in history,” he reflected. The regret was palpable, as he realized he had missed a moment that would be etched in the memories of thousands of fans.
Memories of Goodison Park
Despite the disappointment of missing the final moments of the match, Healey shared fond memories of his time at Goodison Park. His love for Everton was instilled by his grandfather, who took him to matches every week. He reminisced about playing on the pitch as an Under-16, a moment he cherished deeply. “I took some of the grass that was in my boots and kept it by the side of my bed as a good luck charm,” he recalled.
Another highlight was witnessing Everton’s historic victory over Bayern Munich in 1985 during the European Cup Winners’ Cup semi-final. Healey’s passion for the club runs deep, and while he may have missed the final moments of his last match at Goodison, the memories he created over the years will remain with him forever.
As Everton prepares to move to their new home at Bramley-Moore Dock, Healey’s experience serves as a poignant reminder of the emotional connections fans have with their clubs. His story resonates with many who have experienced the highs and lows of football fandom, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the beautiful game.
