The pre-match focus was on recognising the fight of Hillsborough campaigners in their battle for justice after the publication of last week's independent report.
The club's approach was pitched perfectly as, in addition to two mascots wearing an Everton number nine shirt and a Liverpool top with the number 6 and ball boys bearing the number 96, the names of all victims of the disaster scrolled across Goodison's television screen accompanied by the Hollies' 'He Ain't Heavy...He's My Brother'.
David Moyes, in his programme notes, had summed up the feeling on Merseyside by writing: "I and everyone at Everton stands alongside the Hillsborough families.
"I am a football supporter and a father and I applaud the families who continued to fight for the ones they loved.
"The outcome (of the findings of the independent panel) was nothing short of disgraceful.
"We have all been brought up to believe and trust in authority...the authorities who were responsible for the safety of supporters that day let themselves down."
Source: FOOTYMAD
