Lancing Liverpool fan’s risky tattoo pays off as team crowned Premier League champions

When Liverpool clinched their first Premier League title last night (June 25), millions of fans around the world breathed a sigh of relief as 30 years of hurt came to an end.
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But for one Lancing Liverpool fan there was much more at stake.

In January Mark Gretton put his body on the line for his club, tattooing ‘Liverpool – Premier League Champions 2019/20’ on his arm.

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At that point Liverpool were 22 points clear at the top of the table but that did not stop nerves kicking in for the 54-year-old, especially when the pandemic risked voiding the season.

Mark Gretton, 53, has tempted fate with his Liverpool Premier League champions tattoo SUS-200402-094416001Mark Gretton, 53, has tempted fate with his Liverpool Premier League champions tattoo SUS-200402-094416001
Mark Gretton, 53, has tempted fate with his Liverpool Premier League champions tattoo SUS-200402-094416001

“It’s an absolutely massive relief, there were tears when we won it,” said Mark, who lives in Bishops Close.

“I’ve had quite a lot of interaction on social media with keyboard warriors and I did start to doubt myself, especially when the season was postponed.

“I was thinking is it immoral for me to want us to win the league title while so many people are dying? But this has probably lifted hundreds of millions of people across the world.”

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Mark appeared in national newspapers and on the radio discussing his tattoo, and used his new platform to start a fundraiser for the NHS.

He praised the NHS workers who had helped the UK pass the peak of coronavirus and made it possible for football to return.

“It could have all been cancelled but it wasn’t, and that’s down to the amazing things our doctors and nurses have done,” he said.

After giving up alcohol during lockdown, and losing 1.5 stone in the process, Mark said he treated himself to some champagne at the final whistle, as Chelsea beat Manchester City to confirm Liverpool as champions.

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“It’s been a rollercoaster but great fun, and that’s the main thing,” he said. “I’m really happy with what I’ve done.”

Mark said he thinks Liverpool can retain their title next year, but it remains to be seen if another tattoo is in the pipeline.