Big clubs have always struggled to strike that fine balance between catering to local fans and accommodating a growing global audience.
This is something we previously touched on when casual Real Madrid fans were spotted in the home section of the Etihad.
Now, a similar situation has unfolded at Anfield—though this time, not with rival fans, but TikTokers.
Ryan Mar and his partner, Shauna Davitt, attended the Liverpool vs Wolves match with front-row tickets, using the opportunity to film a lighthearted TikTok.
Ryan has 1.3 million followers on the social media platform and his wife has close to 500,000 followers herself.
The TikTok itself was simple: Shauna asks Ryan if she’s the best kiss he’s ever had. Ryan, distracted, responds that he’s thinking about Mohamed Salah instead. Shauna claps back, reminding him that Salah isn’t even signing a new contract. The video ends with Ryan dramatically crying over the thought, just as Salah dribbles in front of him.
Harmless, right? Well, not according to X, which is now divided over the video.
On one side, some fans argue that content creators and tourists are watering down Anfield’s atmosphere.
One frustrated user pointed out that, at such a crucial stage of the season—with Liverpool pushing for the title—these are the people getting tickets.
Another fan shared that she and her two young kids couldn’t attend the game due to a lack of ticket availability.
So, for some, making content while not being “local enough” is part of the problem.
On the other side of the argument, some X users defended Ryan and Shauna.
One pointed out that if they cheered and sang like everyone else during the game, then they’re just like any other fans.
Another questioned why a simple, funny TikTok has caused so much outrage, arguing that it’s no different from people vlogging at matches—something that has never been an issue.
To add to that, the TikTok was filmed before kickoff and during a stoppage in play, meaning it had no impact on the actual game.
And here’s the kicker: Ryan, the TikToker in question, is a die-hard Liverpool fan.
Both he and Shauna have strong Scouse accents and regularly collaborate on lighthearted videos—most of which aren’t even football-related.
At the end of the day, X just seems to be looking for a scapegoat amidst frustrations over ticket prices, availability, and the growing presence of international fans.
Ryan Mar’s TikTok isn’t the problem.
