There were approximately 1,000 Liverpool fans in attendance as the Reds smashed Sparta Prague 5-1 to all but confirm their spot in the next round of the UEFA Europa League. While many fans were simply enjoying the combination of the beautiful city of Prague and their side's excellent performance, one fan saw an opportunity.
An opportunity to earn money whilst in the stadium, and his hilariously genius tactic has been recognised on social media for its brilliance.
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Liverpool fan takes full advantage of sustainability scheme at Sparta Prague
Amid the growing concerns and understanding of the harm that excessive plastic waste does to the environment, Sparta Prague introduced a sustainability scheme which enables match-going fans to recycle empty plastic cups in exchange for a small amount of cash.
Rather hilariously, and intelligently depending on your perspective, one Liverpool fan decided to make full use of this rare opportunity and has, as a result, propelled himself into social media fame.
The supporter can be seen holding an enormous stack of cups he had gathered from around the stadium before he traded them in for his cash reward.
A win-win for both parties involved, it is proof that schemes such as these can be very effective in incentivising match-going fans to limit the amount of waste they leave behind at football grounds.
Increased focus on sustainability
The aforementioned scheme introduced by Sparta Prague is one of many currently in use around the world and represents the growing shift in focus to improving sustainability within football.
Several clubs from around the globe are now taking the issue incredibly seriously, and a wide array of approaches have been taken.
German outfit SC Freiburg recycle waste heat from a manufacturing plant nearby to their stadium. While in England, Tottenham Hotspur also uses renewable energy at their ground and have additionally committed to halving their carbon emissions by 2030 and being carbon neutral by 2040.
As more and more clubs participate in the quickly growing movement in the sport, we will likely see more fans take advantage of schemes in wacky and imaginative ways.