The former Anfield favourite discussed the amusing incident during the Defend and Attack podcast
Former footballer John Barnes was brought to the club by Sir Kenny Dalglish in 1987(Image: Jacob King/PA Wire)
Liverpool icon John Barnes recounted what transpired when he made excessive use of a complimentary KFC pass. The 62-year-old ex-player discussed his various sponsorship arrangements during a recent episode of the Defend and Attack podcast, which is presented by former Brookside actor Simon O’Brien.
Barnes, who originated from Jamaica, enjoyed an outstanding career following his move to the Merseyside club in 1987. The winger was recruited by Sir Kenny Dalglish and developed into a crucial component of one of Liverpool’s most formidable teams.
Nevertheless, he has maintained a hectic schedule since hanging up his boots in 1999 at the age of 35. He frequently features in numerous advertisements, in addition to regularly appearing at events throughout the football world and other spheres.
During his recent appearance on the Defend and Attack podcast, the ex-Liverpool favourite conversed with Simon O’Brien about his post-football life.
He described what occurred when he received a card from KFC as a gift, which he discovered permitted complimentary meals at any of their outlets.
According to Barnes, he completed a promotional job for KFC and was provided with a card bearing a number that granted complimentary KFC products. He retained this for approximately a year and frequented KFC branches in Bristol alongside various other locations.
He would arrive at the drive-thru, contact the number on his phone, and present the code. Staff would disappear to the back and consult with the manager before reluctantly providing the complimentary food.
They had intended the pass for occasional use. However, due to his frequent utilisation, when he attempted to use it on one occasion he was informed the pass was no longer valid because he had exceeded the usage limit.
He chuckled as he recalled that it was marketed as a lifetime pass yet remained functional for only around six months.
The Defend and Attack podcast features Barnes discussing his time on the pitch alongside memories spanning his remarkable career. Although born in Jamaica, Barnes has previously stated that he regards himself as a Scouser and feels entirely comfortable in the city.
During an appearance on The Overlap earlier this year, he explained that football is fundamentally a working class pursuit. Despite originating from an upper-middle class background in uptown Kingston, he had played football in inner-city areas as a child from a more prosperous background. He described the sport as inherently socialist, lacking any hierarchy where collective success and failure apply equally.
He explained that he has always felt connected to ordinary people. When he travelled north of Birmingham, specifically to Liverpool, and suggested Manchester would likely be similar, he found the local residents appealing.
They were unpretentious, ordinary individuals. One cannot stroll around exhibiting superior attitudes or pretending to be something one is not. This explains his longstanding view that representing Liverpool demands a particular type of personality.