Wigan Athletic youngster Harrison Rimmer stole the spotlight at Everton’s brand-new Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium, not only by scoring the first-ever goal at the venue but also by celebrating in a way that left Toffees fans fuming.
Everton hosted a test event on Monday night, welcoming 10,000 fans to their new 52,000-seater home as their under-18s faced Wigan’s youth side. The match was streamed live on YouTube, ensuring fans unable to attend could watch history unfold.
Rimmer’s Goal and Controversial Celebration
But things got off to a tough start for the Merseyside club as Wigan took an early lead in the 12th minute. The goalscorer? None other than 18-year-old midfielder Rimmer, a former Everton academy player. However, it was his celebration, rather than his goal, that made headlines.
Television cameras caught Rimmer holding up four fingers and both thumbs, forming a ‘six’—a gesture widely associated with Liverpool’s six European Cup victories. The reference did not go unnoticed, especially among Everton supporters, who reacted furiously.
A Nod to Liverpool’s History?
The significance of Rimmer’s gesture became even clearer when fans recalled former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp doing the same in 2019 after leading the Reds to their sixth Champions League triumph. Sitting atop an open-top bus during the victory parade, Klopp famously held up six fingers for the cameras.
Adding to the drama, Rimmer once played for Everton’s academy before joining Wigan in 2017. While the circumstances of his departure remain unclear, his choice of celebration at his former club’s new home was seen as a pointed message.
Everton’s New Era Begins on a Sour Note
Everton fans had eagerly anticipated the test event at Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium, which is set to be their permanent home in the near future. However, their first experience of football at the new ground was overshadowed by Wigan’s early goal and Rimmer’s viral moment.
Social media exploded with reactions, with some Liverpool fans praising Rimmer’s boldness, while Everton supporters labelled it disrespectful.
Writer’s View
Rimmer’s celebration may have been cheeky, but it encapsulated the intense rivalry that exists between Everton and Liverpool. Whether it was premeditated or an instinctive reaction, the young midfielder has certainly made a name for himself. Meanwhile, for Everton, it was an unfortunate start at their much-anticipated new home—one they will be hoping to turn around quickly as they settle into their new surroundings.
