Emotional stadium applause new tragedy verdicts
An emotional Goodison Park this afternoon set aside rivalries and applauded in tribute to the 96 footbll fans who lost their lives at the Hillsborough disaster.
The victims’ families 27-year ordeal came to an end earlier this week when an inquest concluded their loved ones had been unlawfully killed at the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest in 1989.
Members of the Hillsborough Families Support Group, fronted by Jenni Hicks and Margaret Aspinall, were invited onto the pitch at Goodison Park ahead of kick-off, and they received an incredible reception as the blue half of Merseyside saluted their victory.
Everton supporters unveiled a banner in the Gwladys Street End which read: “Justice at last. Brothers in arms,” as the entire stadium rose to their feet to applaud the families after their fight for truth was won.
Everton players also wore commemorative shirts to warm for the game against the Cherries, with the number ’96’ printed on the back in blue and red, signifying the continued unity between the two Merseyside rivals in their quest for justice.
By Ben Kelly – @benkelly_10
