Krasnodar fans get the VIP treatment from Everton

Everton have long been known as The People's Club, and they showed it yesterday too. The Toffees played in a dead-rubber Europa League game last night against Russian side Krasnodar, with the group winners title already sealed and nothing to play for but pride. Manager Roberto Martinez meanwhile decided to roll out an experimental side, giving eleven Academy graduates a chance to play for the senior side. (Read our Instant Reaction and Player Ratings for the game)

However, kudos to the PR staff at Goodison Park who heard that 14 hardy Krasnodar fans would be driving to Merseyside for the game. They promptly rewarded those fans by upgrading their seats to the posh 'Optimum' executive lounges at the stadium. It was the least they could do after those brave fans drove for 44 hours on a 3,830 km journey. Their side went on to win the game 1-0 to boot.

14 Krasnodar fans have made the long journey to Goodison so we've put them up in an @EvertonOptimum lounge for the game. Enjoy your stay!

— Everton (@Everton) December 11, 2014

Evertonians have long been known for some of the most epic away days stories, but this one is right up there in legend too. On this chilly December day, let's give an Everton fan salute to the 14 fans of Krasnodar!

Krasnodar fans at Everton's Goodison Park

Picture courtesy of The Daily Mail