Most of the football stadiums around the world have stood for a long time. Memories have been cherished and men glorified within the confines of its four walls. Some of them have been witness to extreme cases of violence, which have left a deep scar in the minds of those who were unfortunate enough to have suffered from them. Like any other place which has seen death and notoriety, there are a few stadiums which are believed to be haunted by ghosts where players, officials and even the general public have claimed to have seen spirits. In this article, I have listed 5 stadiums around the world which have been reported to be haunted by ghosts.

The Stadium of Light

In April of 2005, two backroom staff claimed to have seen a queer black shape in a dimly lit corridor. Not too long after that, Irish striker Stephen Elliot also reported to have seen the apparition which convinced some of his teammates that the stadium was indeed haunted by a spirit. Some people believe the spirit to be that of an 18th century wrecker, Spottee, who would guide ships on to the rocks at Whitburn and plunder cargo.

Kabul’s soccer stadium

This stadium was the site of public execution of convicts, who were forced to kneel before they were executed by the Taliban. Arms and legs of those punished hung from the goalposts for the public to see. Naturally, the stadium is believed to be haunted by the spirits of the convicts, who were either stoned or shot dead at closed range. The aura of violence and notoriety is so fierce that people don’t dare visit it after sunset. The soil had soaked in so much blood that an attempt to grow grass on it had failed. The soil had to be replaced to allow grass to grow on it.

St. Mary’s Stadium

Southampton FC had made a forgettable start to the season after their move to St. Mary in 2001. Rumours spread that spirits were having their revenge for the excavation of the pre-Christian tombs at the site of the stadium. The belief grew so strong that an actual pagan white witch was called on to rid the ground of evil.

Highbury

Arsenal’s old stadium is believed to be haunted by the ghost of their former manager Herbert Chapman and the shade of a horse who dies during the construction of the North bank. The ghosts are apparently harmless as there have no reports of mishaps owing to the presence of the spectres.

Estadio do Dragão, Porto

In a Champions League match between FC Porto and Paris Saint German (PSG) on the 22nd of October, 2012, the cameraman who captured the celebration of the goal by James Rodriguez for Porto, also recorded the presence of a spirit among the fans who were celebrating in the stands. The spirit seemed to be excited with the goal as well as he appeared to have half a smile on his spectral face.