Ric Wee’s 7,000-mile pilgrimage from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Everton’s Goodison Park was almost a massive disappointment, but it turned into a once-in-a-lifetime experience thanks to the power of social media.
This week, Wee, an Everton fan from afar for more than 30 years, finally traveled to Liverpool, England, with his family to watch his beloved Toffees play in person.
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Unfortunately, the harsh winter weather that is gripping that part of the world caused Wednesday’s Everton-Crystal Palace game to be postponed.
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Wee had already taken his seat at Goodison Park when he got the bad news — less than one hour before kickoff.
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Luckily, Wee’s plight came to the attention of a number of fans on Twitter, and his story soon reached Everton’s press office.
Everton contacted Wee and arranged for him to visit the dressing room and meet Everton manager Roberto Martinez, fullback Leighton Baines and several other players and staff.
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Naturally, Wee was overjoyed at the unexpected turn of events.
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It didn’t end there.
Wee’s travel plans prevented him from staying to watch Everton’s FA Cup game against Swansea City on Sunday. However, the Toffees invited him back to Goodison Park on Thursday morning for a behind-the-scenes tour, led by club legend Graeme Sharp. Wee had become an Internet and media sensation by then.
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Wee enjoyed every minute of his VIP experience at Goodison Park
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Wee said he plans to return to Goodison Park later this season to actually watch an Everton game. As fulfilling as that trip will be, it’s safe to say it’ll be nothing like his first time.
Watch Wee talk about his Goodison Park experience in the video below.
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Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@Everton
