Liverpool legend Bruce Grobbelaar, known for his incredible 13-year career with the club, recently shared a bizarre story that unfolded years after his playing days. While the club experienced a 30-year wait to lift the league title again after their triumph in 1990, Grobbelaar revealed that a curse had been placed on the club. According to him, the curse could only be broken with an unusual remedy—urine.
During a testimonial match in 1992, Grobbelaar was sponsored by Zambezi lager, and the company sent a witchdoctor along with their sponsorship. The witchdoctor performed a ritual by placing his goat’s tail and water on the goalposts while proclaiming, “If you don’t have Bruce Grobbelaar, you won’t win the league again.”
Years later, in 2013/14, Liverpool found themselves in a promising position to clinch the title. However, a fateful moment against Chelsea, where Steven Gerrard slipped and allowed a goal, derailed their chances. Grobbelaar, determined to break the curse, took matters into his own hands. During a night game, he discreetly made his way to the pitch and urinated on the goalposts at the Kop end. Unfortunately, he was caught and thrown out, but Liverpool ended up finishing second that season.
Liverpool’s close call in 2013/14 was not their only near miss. Under Jurgen Klopp’s management in 2018/19, they finished just one point behind Manchester City. However, Grobbelaar was determined to ensure that the curse would be broken for the following season. During a corporate game for Hotel TIA, he took a water bottle, emptied it, went to the restroom, and urinated in it. He then splashed the contents over the goalposts at both the Kop end and the Anfield Road end.
Grobbelaar’s unconventional actions seemed to have had an effect, as Liverpool went on to have an exceptional season in 2019/20. They not only won the Premier League but also broke the record for the earliest English top-flight title win, achieving it in just 31 games. It seems that Grobbelaar’s commitment to breaking the curse paid off, and Liverpool can now celebrate their long-awaited success.
While Grobbelaar’s story may seem unbelievable, it highlights the passion and dedication of Liverpool fans and their willingness to go to great lengths to support their club. It also serves as a reminder of the superstitions and rituals that often surround football. However, it’s safe to say that bringing a witchdoctor back to Anfield is probably not on the agenda anytime soon.