Southend United fans welcome US man after he boards wrong boat

American takes wrong boat and becomes Southend fan

31 minutes ago Share Save Lewis Adams BBC News, Essex Share Save

Andy Ward Evan Johnson, centre, became an accidental Southend United fan after boarding the wrong boat

Sailing down the River Thames on a boat packed with rowdy football fans would be some people's worst nightmare. But for Evan Johnston, a student from the US, that concept became reality when he accidentally boarded a vessel full of diehard Southend United supporters. The 21-year-old thought he was hopping on a London tourist boat on Saturday, but was soon surrounded by beers and a DJ en route to the National League fixture at Sutton. Shrimpers fan Andy Ward, 51, said: "It was a daunting start for him without a doubt, but he absolutely loved every minute of it."

Suspicions first arose when Mr Johnston, from Arizona, was seen sitting by himself while everyone partied around him. "He didn't know what was going on," Mr Ward told BBC Essex. "But everyone made him feel welcome and in the end all the young lads bought him beers and gave him a match ticket. "He absolutely loved it and the younger fans need praise because they were fantastic with him."

Andy Ward Chants of "Evan is a Shrimper" were heard on BBC Essex's live match commentary from the game

It was a shock for Mr Johnston, who thought he was boarding a hop-on hop-off boat cruising past London's iconic landmarks. He admitted thinking it was strange that so many of his fellow passengers knew each other, but staff allowed him onboard and he took his seat. The day culminated with the Southend faithful singing "Evan is a Shrimper" from the away end as their side drew 1-1 with Sutton United. "He was loving it; he said he'd never had that before. It was a bit surreal for everyone," Mr Ward said.

'Southend 'til I die'

Unfortunately the American guest missed what would have been the first goal he had ever seen scored because he was at the burger van. He has now been invited to be a guest at Roots Hall for Southend's home fixture against Solihull Moors on Saturday.

Andy Ward Mr Ward has invited his new American friend for a tour of Southend-on-Sea

"He said I'm Southend 'til I die, and that really made me laugh," added Mr Ward, who also planned to show Mr Johnston the city's famous pier. A spokesman for Southend United said the club would give him a behind the scenes tour of the ground on Saturday. "After hearing he was one of the 1,459 fans in the away end at Sutton – by complete accident – we now want to make sure he can experience and enjoy a home match," he said. "Full credit to our brilliant supporters who continue to back the team in their numbers. "This story is a perfect example of the incredible community spirit that brings our club together."

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