Riotous Welcome For Everton

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31061, 17 May 1966, Page 19

Riotous Welcome For Everton

LONDON. Four hundred people were treated for shock, bruises and cuts when the triumphant Everton soccer team returned to Liverpool with the F.A. Cup. Thirty were taken to hospital. Everton, which beat Sheffield Wednesday 3-2 in the cup final at Wem-

bley Stadium, was welcomed by a crowd of about 500,000 in Liverpool.

The Lord Mayor, Aiderman D. Cowley, made three attempts to deliver a speech of welcome, but only got as far as “ladles and gentlemen” each time as the crowd yelled for members of the team. Mr Cowley gave up

after a senior police officer whispered in bis ear that people were “fainting all over the place.” During the half-hour the team was on the steps of the city’s town hall, the huge swaying crowd kept up a constant chant of “E ver-ton!” Throughout the ceremony, the crowd rocked backwards and forwards

and frequently broke Into song, including “Ee-uye-addio, we won the cup.” Many in the crowd fainted and children were crushed against the barriers.

The cup was filled with champagne, and each player had a sip before retiring to the hall for an official welcoming ceremony.