Liverpool FC managing director Ian Ayre praises Everton FC over Hillsborough tribute

18 September 2012 02:00
LIVERPOOL FC managing director Ian Ayre praised Everton after their Merseyside neighbours produced a moving tribute to the victims of the Hillsborough disaster prior to their 2-2 draw with Newcastle United at Goodison Park.

Everton were led out by two mascots – one wearing the blue kit and another wearing the Liverpool strip. The mascot in Blue colours wore 9 while the mascot in red colours had 6 and they stood side by side, displaying 96. Everton’s ball boys for the match also wore tracksuits with the number 96 on the back. Before kick-off, the club observed a minute’s applause and a moving montage of the 96 was played on the big screen accompanied by The Hollies’ classic ‘He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother’.

Margaret Aspinall and Trevor Hicks from the Hillsborough Families Support Group were both attending the game as guests of Everton chairman Bill Kenwright. Ayre said:

“I would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to all the staff and fans at Everton Football Club from everyone at Liverpool for the display of support you have shown the Hillsborough families tonight. “We’ve always been great rivals on the pitch but off it, the two clubs have always supported each other. In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, Everton Football Club was there for us and that solidarity was on display again last week when the Hillsborough Independent Panel’s findings were revealed.

“At times like this, football rivalries take a back seat – something that makes this city unique and I think supporters of both clubs can be immensely proud of the way they have conducted themselves over the past days, weeks and years since the tragedy.” Related stories From around the web Related Tags

Source: liverpool_echo