Ben Foster reveals inside story of UFC star Paddy Pimblett being kicked out of Vicarage Road having used his Watford tickets for hammering by Liverpool in 2021 – and how the club punished keeper

Former Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster has revealed why UFC fighter Paddy Pimblett was removed from Vicarage Road in Liverpool‘s thrashing of the Hornets in 2021.

It was the 2021-22 Premier League season and the Reds were embroiled in a tense title battle with Manchester City, while Watford were fighting to avoid relegation.

Liverpool ran out comfortable 5-0 winners, with Foster in goal for the hosts that day, and well-renowned Liverpool fan Pimblett was in attendance.

However, before half-time, the fighter was kicked out by stewards and took to Instagram to voice his displeasure at being removed.

Three years later, speaking on his podcast, The Fozcast, the retired keeper has shared how getting Pimblett tickets to the game sparked the controversy.

Pimblett, a UFC fighter, was kicked out of a match between Watford and Liverpool back in 2021

Foster, now 41,  shipped five goals that day with Roberto Firmino (left) scoring a hat-trick

‘We were chatting on Instagram,’ Said Foster. ‘I got him four tickets for the game and they are Watford tickets at Watford, so he has to sit in the Watford end.

‘So I said to Paddy “I can get you four tickets but mate you have got to keep it on the down low”. Don’t go putting it on the internet, don’t go causing a fuss, don’t celebrate if Liverpool score.

‘Bearing in mind at the time, Liverpool were top of the league popping, while we were struggling.’

Despite being instructed by Foster to keep a low profile in the stands, Pimblett ignored his orders.

‘[They] beat us 5-0, every goal went in and he’s jumping around celebrating,’ the former Hornet added.

Foster’s co-host, Tom Ochoa, was in the stand with his family on the day and witnessed Pimblett’s afternoon slowly unravel.

He said: ‘[There was a] goal after three minutes, I think it was [Sadio] Mane. Him [Pimblett] and his mates jump up – we are in the family and friends enclosure – goal goes in a couple of minutes later, [he jumps up again. Not going mental, but jumped up.

Pimblett ignored Foster’s instructions and thanked him for tickets on Instagram before a rant

Watford ended up getting relegated that season and Foster retired two years later in 2023

‘Steward comes over and says “We are going to have to ask you to leave, you’ll get murdered if you stay in here doing that”.’ To which Foster responds: ‘In the friends and family enclosure?’

When Pimblett left the ground, he ignored yet another order from Foster, but the keeper can now see the funny side.

Ochoa added: ‘Paddy then comes out the ground, got kicked out, and goes straight on Instagram: “Thanks Fozzy lad for the tickets, I love you, but Watford you’re a c**p club” and all this.’

Foster then butted in, and said: ‘I hope you get relegated, that’s what he said.’ Before bursting out laughing.

The 41-year-old then recollects walking back to the changing room following the thrashing, unbeknownst to what had gone on with Pimblett during the game.

Foster explained: ‘As soon as the match finishes, we have been pumped 5-0, I then look at my phone and there is a thousand messages —thousands of everything. I’m like “oh no, oh no”.

‘Anyway, I got a week’s fine for that, I got done a week’s wages. Lovely.’ He then joked: ‘£150k you owe me, Paddy.’