Source: REUTERS/TONY O BRIEN
[Saba Sports News] According to British media reports, an American student mistakenly boarded a party boat full of Southend United fans on the Thames River. Reports say that American student Ivan Johnston had planned a leisurely sightseeing tour on the Thames but accidentally boarded a party boat carrying 150 Southend United fans. The 21-year-old thought they were all going to see London’s landmarks, only to end up watching a football match with these fans. Southend United fans warmly welcomed Ivan and took him to his first-ever football game, buying him all the drinks. This took place last Saturday in South London, during the National League match between Southend United and Sutton United. Fans rented a party boat from the Thames Millennium Pier to Blackfriars Millenium Pier and then took the train to the stadium. Ivan said, “I was suspicious when I saw these fans in the queue. I thought they would check tickets and throw me out, but they didn’t.” It is reported that after Southend United drew 1-1, Ivan began to support them. Post-match, Southend United decided to make Ivan a VIP for this Saturday’s home match against Solihull Moors.