Former Liverpool Goalkeeper Tommy Lawrence has passed away this morning at the age of 77. The former Scottish shotstopper made 390 appearances for the Anfield men between 1962 and 1971. Lawrence was given the nickname "The Flying Pig" by the Reds fans because of his ability to dive around the penalty area despite weighing more than 14 stone.
Lawrence had a legendary career for Liverpool winning two league titles and the first FA Cup in the club's history in 1965 under legendary manager Bill Shankly, but it was a viral video that gave him fame in the modern football era.
In the heartwarming viral video, a BBC interviewer is stopping people on the streets of Liverpool city centre ahead of the Merseyside Derby back in 2015 to get their opinions on the much hyped fixture (that one ended 0-0). The reporter stops an elderly gentleman to ask him if he remembers the Derby match in 1967 at Goodison in the FA Cup 5th round that was shown on a big screen in Anfield. The reporter was taken aback when the gentleman not only remembered the game but says "I played in it!"
"What are the chances?" the voiceover asks at the beginning of the video. What are the chances indeed. You can see Tommy Lawrence's eyes light up when he replies. "Did you?!" the shocked reporter replies. He then goes on to ask Lawrence, who was Liverpool goalkeeper that day, what he remembers about the match.
It was a great game! Alan Ball scored the winner!
It's impossible not to smile fondly while watching the video, no matter what your allegiances. The video really struck a chord all over the world, going viral everywhere from the US to Vietnam! The reporter in question, Stuart Flinders, revisited Lawrence at his home not long after the video hit to catch up with him about his new found internet fame and to reflect on their chance encounter.
The video was viewed more than 8 million times through the BBC and was viewed millions of more times through other outlets.
Mr Lawrence's death was announced by Liverpool Football Club this morning, he was 77. RIP.
