The mural had only been there for one day before it was sprayed with an unknown substance
20:24, 26 Apr 2025Updated 20:26, 26 Apr 2025
CCTV provided by The Sandon pub appears to show the moment the mural was defaced
A hooded man who was seen spraying an unknown substance all over a Liverpool FC mural just 24 hours after it was unveiled has caused uproar online. A Liverpool FC mural which was created in celebration of the Reds’ imminent 20th League title win has been vandalised just 24 hours after it was unveiled.
Footage captured by a security camera at The Sandon appears to show a man approaching the mural at around 6.50am on Saturday, April 26. The footage shows the man in a dark hoodie and shorts looking up and down the street with his hands in the front pocket of his hoodie.
A number of vehicles go past before the man takes a white bottle out of his hoodie and walks over to the celebratory mural. He can then be seen spraying an unknown substance all over the mural, before looking around the corner and doing the same thing again. The two minute clip was captured on security cameras outside the pub.
Reacting to this morning’s news, ECHO readers have dubbed the act as “cowardly” and “sad”. Ronnie Rogers said on Facebook: “This is so sad. Such a beautiful mural that carries the love of so many and gives joy to even those not involved in this amazing team. Why would anyone want to spoil the pleasure of such a wonderful project?”
Laura Baugh also said: “How sad must his life be. Joking and bantering is one thing but to actually leave the house, buy whatever it is he is vandalising with and actually do it is far more time and effort than anyone with a life has surely.”
Paul Holdworth wrote: “He needs to get a grip, actions of a 10-year-old.” Others, such as Carl Stretton, called the act ‘sad.’ He said: “Sad individual” and Franny Cobourn said: “Coward trying to cover his face.”
Vandalised mural outside The Sandon pub in Anfield
The ECHO understands the damage has not been reported to Merseyside Police.
The mural was created by John Culshaw, an artist who is responsible for some of Liverpool’s most eye-catching and best loved murals, including those of Ringo Starr and Nelson Mandela.
Last summer, John created a mural celebrating Liverpool FC’s first black footballer Howard Gayle, who signed for Liverpool FC in 1977, becoming the first Black player at the club since it was formed in 1892.
The mural, on Upper Warwick Street in Liverpool 8, was commissioned by Mandela8, with John having previously created the mural of Nelson Mandela at the side of the Kuumba Imani Centre on Princes Road.
Vandalised mural outside The Sandon pub in Anfield
John has created some of the city’s most striking Liverpool FC artworks, including a mural of former Reds manager Jurgen Klopp on the side of the Spanish Caravan building on Slater Street, and the Anfield Road Mo Salah mural, opposite the King Harry pub.
The Reds look set to win the Premier League this weekend as Arne Slot’s side only need a point at home to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday to claim a record-equalling 20th top-flight title.
The fact their previous success – which came after a 30-year wait – arrived during the covid pandemic, when fans weren’t allowed into stadiums, will make this time round even sweeter.
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