The Merseyside derby has always been more than just a football match; it’s a deeply ingrained rivalry woven into the fabric of Liverpool itself.
Now, as Everton prepare to move into their stunning new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium for the 2025/26 season, a new chapter of this rivalry is being written, one condiment at a time.
During the second test event at the soon-to-be 52,888-capacity venue, where over 25,000 fans watched Everton’s Under-21s edge out Bolton Wanderers’ B side with a solitary goal from Kingsford Boayke, the focus unexpectedly shifted from the pitch to the food being served.
Eagle-eyed fans noticed a peculiar detail adorning their hotdogs: the ketchup on offer was not the traditional red, but a distinct shade of blue.
This seemingly innocuous choice is, in reality, a deliberate and playful jab at their neighbours, Liverpool FC.
The colour red is, of course, synonymous with the Anfield club, and Everton’s decision to opt for blue ketchup is a clear statement – even their condiments will fly the Toffees’ colours.
While some fans found the blue hue slightly unusual, it was widely understood as a lighthearted dig at Liverpool.
LFC fans saw the funny side of the situation too, perhaps with a touch of eye-rolling at the perceived level of pettiness.
The pricing of the food at the test event also raised eyebrows, with reports of £25 for two hotdogs and two Tango drinks, suggesting the blue ketchup might indeed come at a premium.
This isn’t the first time Everton have employed creative tactics in their rivalry with Liverpool. In 2009, the opening of their “Everton Two” store in the Liverpool ONE shopping complex was a stroke of humorous genius.
The name cleverly juxtaposed with the “Liverpool One” complex, creating the memorable phrase “Everton Two, Liverpool One,” a subtle but effective reminder of their presence within the city.
Everton, however, are not pioneers in the realm of coloured ketchup as a means of footballing banter. Back in 2006, Manchester City similarly introduced blue ketchup during a derby match against Manchester United.
This move was intended to replace the customary red sauce, which Manchester City fans associated with their “red” rivals from across the city.
