Sir Alex Ferguson has written a letter to all travelling Man United fans for Sunday’s game against close-rivals Liverpool. He has asked that fans don’t cross the line with the rivalry and make sure that they don’t make personal attacks.
The clash at the weekend will be Liverpool’s first home game since the revealing of the Hillsborough reports and it will be an emotional day for all involved.
Before kick-off both captains will release 96 balloons in memory of the 96 people that lost their lives during the Hillsborough disaster. Now, Sir Alex Ferguson’s letter will be handed out to all travelling fans before they enter Anfield.
The letter in full
“Dear Supporter,
“The great support you gave the team here last season has seen our allocation back up to near-full levels. I want you to continue that progress today.
“But today is about much more than not blocking gangways. Today is about thinking hard about what makes United the best club in the world.
“Our rivalry with Liverpool is based on a determination to come out on top – a wish to see us crowned the best against a team that held that honour for so long.
“It cannot and should never be based on personal hatred. Just ten days ago, we heard the terrible, damning truth about the deaths of 96 fans who went to watch their team try and reach the FA Cup final and never came back.
“What happened to them should wake the conscience of everyone connected with the game.
“Our great club stands with our great neighbours Liverpool today to remember that loss and pay tribute to their campaign for justice. I know I can count on you to stand with us in the best traditions of the best fans in the game.
“Yours sincerely, Sir Alex Ferguson”.
Alex William Batt
