The change reportedly came just two days before the semifinal, intensifying the anger across Merseyside. Supporters who had bought tickets expecting England were left feeling ignored, while protests appeared around the stadium.
Everton president E. Holland Hughes adopted a more measured tone, saying the club was naturally disappointed and had been led to believe that England’s progress would bring the semifinal to Goodison. The supporters’ response was less restrained, with banners aimed at and at the decision-makers who had chosen Wembley.
The boycott was visible inside the ground. Empty seats became part of the story, turning what should have been a showcase match into a public rebuke.
On the pitch, the reported result was West Germany 2-1 Soviet Union. West Germany advanced to the final, but the football struggled to escape the atmosphere around it. The match was remembered for quality goals, Lev Yashin’s saves and a bruising contest, yet both teams were reportedly booed at the final whistle.
Instead of celebrating the semifinalists, sections of the crowd chanted for England, Liverpool and Everton.
The Goodison Park episode remains a warning about the power of venue decisions. Whenever a major tournament changes its plan, the next question is not only who will play, but which supporters may feel they have been left behind.