Chelsea mascot who pranked Gerrard is now non-league star looking for big break
As a mascot, Chelsea fan Jake Nickless made national headlines when he brilliantly snubbed a handshake with Steven Gerrard – deciding to prank the superstar instead.
The action had Claude Makelele and Michael Essien in stitches ahead of the 2006 clash with Liverpool, while John Terry offered him a congratulatory pat on the head.
While Gerrard, who laughed off the audacious prank later admitted: "If it was an adult I would have wanted to wring their neck!"
But, 16-years-later, Nickless is now looking to break into the professional game himself.
And the youngster has been bouncing around some famous Non-League sides such as Dulwich Hamlet and Billericay Town in recent season.
"I remember my dad putting me up to it," Nickless recently told SPORTbible.
"I kept saying I wasn't going to do it and I think he eventually believed it, so he stopped.
"But in the moment I was just excited and thought why not.
"I knew the game was also on TV and loads of people were watching, so I just provided a bit of entertainment."
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The incident occurred on February 5 2006, and defending Champions Chelsea faced a tricky trip to Anfield.
However, the Blues made quick work of their title rivals with goals from William Gallas and Hernan Crespo.
Chelsea romped to the 2-0 triumph over Liverpool, and they moved 15 points clear of second place.
The match occurred during Jose Mourinho's first stint at Stamford Bridge, and it was the Special One's 50th win in charge of the Blues.
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However, Nickless' footballing story didn't end at Stamford Bridge in 2006.
He continued: "I am currently trying to break into the pro game myself.
"I've played for numerous teams at good levels, and recently captained The Tonsser All-Star team; an up and coming app for players who haven't been signed yet.
"So hopefully my chance is coming very soon."
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