A momentous night for Everton fans turned bittersweet as the club officially opened its new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium, only for Liverpool supporter Harrison Rimmer to steal some of the spotlight.
The 52,888-seater venue, set to become the Premier League’s seventh-largest stadium next season, hosted its first test event with 10,000 fans in attendance, including representatives of Everton’s new owners, The Friedkin Group. The Toffees’ Under-18s faced Wigan’s youth team in a highly anticipated fixture.
History was made when Rimmer, who had recently scored in a 4-0 win for Wigan, netted the first-ever goal at the new ground just 12 minutes in.
However, he added insult to injury for Everton fans by celebrating with a six-finger gesture mocking them with Liverpool’s six Champions League titles.
Wigan doubled their lead through Cole Simms before Everton pulled one back with a late penalty from Ray Roberts.
Despite the 2-1 loss, the occasion was more about the stadium’s grand opening than the result.
The Bramley-Moore Dock stadium project, completed in December after construction began in 2021, is expected to generate £1.3 billion for the UK economy and create 15,000 jobs. The stadium will also host matches at Euro 2028, marking a new chapter in Everton’s history.
Everton U18s head coach Keith Southern acknowledged the significance of the night. “It was a landmark event for the club and a sign of hope for the future,” he said. “The players had never played in an arena like this before, so emotions were high. But it was a fantastic occasion for the Academy and the entire Football Club.”
For Everton supporters, the match signaled the beginning of an exciting new era one they hope will bring success at their new home.