A number of soccer venues carry a spooky aura around their history. In England especially, some of the most well-known stadiums have a haunted past. From experiencing supernatural phenomena to encountering ghosts around a venue, here are 5 haunted soccer stadiums in England.
Highbury Stadium – Arsenal FC
Once the home of Arsenal FC until 2006, Highbury Stadium is said to be haunted by Herbert Chapman, the club's most successful pre-war manager. Legend has it he still roams the grounds with a horse that died during construction. The ashes of devoted Arsenal fans scattered at the site only add to the stadium's eerie reputation.
St. Mary’s Stadium – Southampton FC
Fans visiting Southampton's St. Mary’s Stadium have reported find eerie encounters, including objects mysteriously moving on their own. To calm the undead, the club once enlisted a local witch to ward off the spirits and bring peace to the venue.
Stadium of Light – Sunderland AFC
Years ago, staff at the Stadium of Light spotted a shadowy figure in one of the stadium corridors. Shortly thereafter, then-striker, Stephen Elliot, witnessed the same figure, convincing many teammates that the venue really was haunted. The spirit is believed to be Spottee, an 18th century French sailor who lured ships to crash along the rocky coast.
Select Car Leasing Stadium – Reading FC
Near Reading FC's home stadium, Select Car Leading Stadium (formerly Madejski Stadium), archeologists discovered the remains of King Henry—and some believe his spirit still lingers nearby. Since the find, the club's decline from the Premier League has led a few fans to jokingly blame the king for a losing record.
Stamford Bridge – Chelsea FC
Not every haunted football club is home to a menacing spirit, some are said to have friendlier ghosts. At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea FC fans tell tales of the Smiling Man, cheerful apparition believe to bring good luck. One woman who who spotted him at a match even won a new car in a raffle that same day.
For teams eager to explore the supernatural side of the sport, a London Soccer Tour offers the perfect chance to visit these venues...and maybe a chance to meet a friendly spirit.
