Trophy meets old friends at Fulham
Monday, May 9, 2011
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The UEFA Champions League Trophy met up with some old friends at Craven Cottage on the latest leg of its tour of London, with visiting Liverpool FC fans delighted to see 'Ol' Big Ears' again.
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Fulham FC's Craven Cottage was the latest port of call for the UEFA Champions League Trophy and its women's counterpart as they continue their tour of the English capital.
Having moved from the financial hub of Canary Wharf, the silverware took pride of place in front of the dugouts at half-time during Fulham's 5-2 home defeat by Liverpool FC in the Premier League. The trophies were brought on to the pitch to a warm reception from both sets of fans, especially the visiting supporters, who have not been so close to 'the trophy with the big ears' since the Reds won it for a fifth time in 2005.
Two lucky Fulham season ticket holders posed for photographs with women's final ambassador Hope Powell and the trophies in front of the Riverside Stand. The women's trophy will return to the Cottage on 26 May for the UEFA Women's Champions League final between Olympique Lyonnais and 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam, two days before Manchester United FC and FC Barcelona contest the men's showpiece at Wembley.
Craven Cottage, located on the north bank of the River Thames, is steeped in history and has been home to Fulham since 1896. The Johnny Haynes Stand and the Cottage, situated on one of the corners, are among the finest examples of Archibald Leitch's famed football architecture still in existence. Both are Grade II listed buildings. The stadium has plenty of experience of hosting continental matches following Fulham's run to the 2009/10 UEFA Europa League final.
The trophies will visit Charters School, Trafalgar Square and Heathrow Terminal 5 in the coming days, before stopping at City Hall next week and residing in Hyde Park for the duration of the UEFA Champions Festival from 21-28 May.
Supporters wishing to attend the 2010/11 UEFA Women's Champions League final in London can purchase tickets now priced at £3 for under-16s and £5 (€5.90) for adults. They can be bought via a portal on Fulham FC's official website or by calling +44 (0)843 208 1234 (option 1) 24 hours a day, seven days a week (no booking fees apply online).
