NewsLiverpool and Real Madrid fan groups unite in special tribute to Arthur Johnson
Liverpool and Real Madrid fan groups came together this week to pay tribute to Arthur Vere Scott Johnson, whose remarkable story links the cities of both clubs.
Johnson is a key figure in the history of Los Blancos, who were at Anfield on Tuesday night to face the Reds in the Champions League.
He played as a forward and a goalkeeper, and was among the first 11 footballers to feature for Real in their maiden official game in 1902.
Then known as Madrid FC, Johnson also scored the club's first ever goal as they contested a Clasico meeting with FC Barcelona.
Born in Dublin in 1878, Johnson also served as Real's first coach for 10 years, from 1910 to 1920, ahead of their official royal appellation and name change.
As a player and coach he lifted numerous titles - including the Copa del Rey on six occasions - and is also credited with a vital role in Real's all-white strip choice.
Johnson's gravestone was recently rediscovered on Merseyside by a local historian. He had moved to the area ahead of his death in 1929.
His resting place at Rake Lane Cemetery in Wallasey has since been restored by Liverpool fans, alongside a commemorative plaque being placed for his part of Real's history.
Ahead of the two teams clashing this week, fans from the Reds and Real Madrid supporters' groups Pena Madridista La Gran Familia and the Pena Tribuna Lateral united to remember Johnson by visiting his gravestone, laying flowers in his memory and swapping gifts.
"During our last few visits to Real Madrid, we were hosted by the fan clubs," Liverpool supporter Les Wright told Liverpoolfc.com.
"We were invited into the stadium for beers, wines, food and met some ex-players - it was a truly fantastic experience.
"The second time we were hosted, we had a private stadium tour and went to a beautiful restaurant where we ate, sung together and had an amazing time, including the swapping of souvenirs.
"It's always nice to receive, but it is much better to give, and through a group of friends we became aware of the restoration of the Arthur Johnson gravestone and its general upkeep alongside the installation of the small plaque in Wallasey.
"The idea has been to repay the Real supporters in such a respectful way, so we swapped scarves as a token of friendship and laid a wreath in the colours of Real Madrid together.
"It felt like too good an opportunity to miss and hopefully is seen as a deep sign of respect for Real Madrid's history and the friendship of our fans."
Kevin Cuthbertson, who recently restored the gravestone, said: "What inspired me was finding out Arthur was lying there for almost 100 years with zero recognition from anyone. And even if I could do something as little as cleaning his stone so it stood out a little bit better, it was something.
"Many famous players have worn the famous white strip of Real Madrid - Ferenc Puskas, Alfredo Di Stefano, Zinedine Zidane, Roberto Carlos, Luka Modric and many more.
"But none of this would have been possible without the guidance and dedication of the man who is buried here on Merseyside. Arthur's name deserves to be spoken of with the same respect and reverence as the esteemed players mentioned."
Gerardo Tocino, president of Pena Madridista La Gran Familia, added: "It's been a pleasure to have done this presentation to Arthur Johnson together. It was magnificent and the Spanish media have echoed this beautiful gesture of friendship."
Following the remembrance service, there are now talks about strengthening the friendship and the potential of friendly matches between the fans in both Madrid and Liverpool.