Ipswich fan 'alien' face becomes internet meme

Rob Farmer holds onto a friend and grimacesImage source, Sky Sports
Image caption,

Rob Farmer could barely watch as the clock ticked closer towards full time

  • Published

A football supporter said his wife likened him to an alien after his reaction to a tense match became a meme online.

Rob Farmer, 50, was among the away supporters holding their breath at Ipswich Town's crucial fixture against Coventry City on Tuesday evening.

He was captured by television cameras in full slow motion glory as he grimaced and hid behind a friend when a Coventry shot flashed past the goal.

Mr Farmer, from Bristol, said he hoped he would be pulling a "happy face" if the Tractor Boys earn promotion to the Premier League on Saturday.

The loyal supporter had been reacting to the action deep into additional time when he was broadcast live on Sky Sports.

Image source, Sky Sports
Image caption,

Mr Farmer says he has been compared to an alien - and Wallace, from Wallace and Gromit - since his face was shown on television

Mr Farmer said his phone "started going mental" about 30 seconds after he was filmed.

"We had no idea the cameras were on us," he told BBC Radio Suffolk.

"I don’t remember pulling that face, I think it was a bit of an out-of-body experience.

"There had been 11 minutes of injury time which – for any Town fan – was just utter torture."

'I looked like an alien'

He said he had since been compared to Wallace, from Wallace and Gromit, and "something out of a horror movie" for his comical facial expressions.

"I just look very strange - my wife said I looked like an alien," he added.

"It’s very funny, I don’t think it will ever not make me laugh looking at that video."

Image source, Rob Farmer
Image caption,

Rob said he took this selfie "after the stress" of the match

Ipswich rose above Leeds United into second place in the Championship thanks to their 2-1 win on Tuesday.

The Tractor Boys will be able to end a 22-year wait for a return to the top tier of English football if they secure at least a draw on Saturday against Huddersfield Town.

Mr Farmer, who fell in love with the club when Sir Bobby Robson was manager, said he would pull a happy face if his side got the job done.

"That's why we love football, it just gives you the highs and lows of every emotion," he added.

Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk, external or WhatsApp us on 0800 169 1830