Unbeliveable 
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LIVERPOOL FC could be flying to Athens without its world-famous European Cups banner.
The massive 85ft x 65ft flag looks like it won’t be making the trip to Greece despite being at all the Reds’ recent finals.
The flag, emblazoned with pictures of Liverpool’s five past trophies and faces of legendary managers, is staying locked up at Anfield because owner and lifelong Red Frank Graceffa failed to get a ticket for the final.
Last week, stadium officials called the half-Scouser/half-Sicilian to make sure the flag had the approved fire certificates to take to Greece.
But they were stunned when the 51-year-old told LFC chiefs he was one of the unlucky thousands not making the trip.
Frank is hoping for a last-minute reprieve, but his prospects look bleak.
The flag is legendary on the Kop and is on every fan card and on many TV football adverts.
Frank said: “It’s the official LFC flag in all but name. It’s been to all the domestic and European finals since 2001.
“Every time we win a trophy, it gets bigger and more drawings are added to the material.
“I remember going to the 1984 final in Rome and seeing all the great Italian flags and thinking it would be great for Liverpool to have something similar.
“It’s a shame the flag won’t be in Athens as it’s synonymous with the club.
“I’m gutted I’m not going. We have five season tickets in the family and of 33 season ticket holders I know, only three got tickets.”
The flag was originally made by Frank’s mother and is now so big it requires two people to carry it on to planes.
Every home game, Frank picks the flag up from inside the ground, where it is stored, but has now taken it home to repair rips and holes in the material.
It is unfurled when the Kop breaks into You’ll Never Walk Alone at the start of a game and is passed over the Kop crowd by fans, before always being returned to its owner.
Airport set for 13,500 Red fans
JOHN Lennon airport is gearing up for its busiest 48-hour period as fans head off to Athens.
Operation Zorba will see:
13,500 fans flying compared with 10,000 for Istanbul.
57 charter flights between May 21 and 23 – 37 of them on the day of the final.
Marquees for check-in, refreshment and toilet facilities.
20 extra check-in desks in the marquees.
Eight extra check- in desks adjacent to the arrivals area.
Five additional sets of security screening.
Five additional coaches to transfer passengers to and from aircraft.
Travellers are urged to give themselves plenty of time and keep belongings to a minimum. Fans travelling on May 23 will not be allowed to check in luggage.
Normal restrictions on hand luggage will apply. Visit www. liverpoolairport. com for details.
7 DAYS TILL ATHENS
€22 - taxi fare from airport to Athens
28C Temp in Athens
Useful Greek phrase
Are there any vacancies for tonight? E'hete e'na doma'tio gia' apo'pse?
Fan's view
"I’m really looking forward to it. I think Liverpool will win 2-0."
Eleanor Brookes, 9, Birkenhead
FOR all the best Athens build-up - click here
[email protected]
[IMG]
[/IMG]LIVERPOOL FC could be flying to Athens without its world-famous European Cups banner.
The massive 85ft x 65ft flag looks like it won’t be making the trip to Greece despite being at all the Reds’ recent finals.
The flag, emblazoned with pictures of Liverpool’s five past trophies and faces of legendary managers, is staying locked up at Anfield because owner and lifelong Red Frank Graceffa failed to get a ticket for the final.
Last week, stadium officials called the half-Scouser/half-Sicilian to make sure the flag had the approved fire certificates to take to Greece.
But they were stunned when the 51-year-old told LFC chiefs he was one of the unlucky thousands not making the trip.
Frank is hoping for a last-minute reprieve, but his prospects look bleak.
The flag is legendary on the Kop and is on every fan card and on many TV football adverts.
Frank said: “It’s the official LFC flag in all but name. It’s been to all the domestic and European finals since 2001.
“Every time we win a trophy, it gets bigger and more drawings are added to the material.
“I remember going to the 1984 final in Rome and seeing all the great Italian flags and thinking it would be great for Liverpool to have something similar.
“It’s a shame the flag won’t be in Athens as it’s synonymous with the club.
“I’m gutted I’m not going. We have five season tickets in the family and of 33 season ticket holders I know, only three got tickets.”
The flag was originally made by Frank’s mother and is now so big it requires two people to carry it on to planes.
Every home game, Frank picks the flag up from inside the ground, where it is stored, but has now taken it home to repair rips and holes in the material.
It is unfurled when the Kop breaks into You’ll Never Walk Alone at the start of a game and is passed over the Kop crowd by fans, before always being returned to its owner.
Airport set for 13,500 Red fans
JOHN Lennon airport is gearing up for its busiest 48-hour period as fans head off to Athens.
Operation Zorba will see:
13,500 fans flying compared with 10,000 for Istanbul.
57 charter flights between May 21 and 23 – 37 of them on the day of the final.
Marquees for check-in, refreshment and toilet facilities.
20 extra check-in desks in the marquees.
Eight extra check- in desks adjacent to the arrivals area.
Five additional sets of security screening.
Five additional coaches to transfer passengers to and from aircraft.
Travellers are urged to give themselves plenty of time and keep belongings to a minimum. Fans travelling on May 23 will not be allowed to check in luggage.
Normal restrictions on hand luggage will apply. Visit www. liverpoolairport. com for details.
7 DAYS TILL ATHENS
€22 - taxi fare from airport to Athens
28C Temp in Athens
Useful Greek phrase
Are there any vacancies for tonight? E'hete e'na doma'tio gia' apo'pse?
Fan's view
"I’m really looking forward to it. I think Liverpool will win 2-0."
Eleanor Brookes, 9, Birkenhead
FOR all the best Athens build-up - click here
[email protected]
at least she is confident
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