LFC thank EFC for tribute to 96
Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre has tonight issued a thank-you to Everton FC after the club paid tribute to the 96 Reds fans who died at Hillsborough.
Before their match with Newcastle United at Goodison Park on Monday night, the Blues united with the Reds as they paid their respects.
Everton were led out by two mascots - one wearing the blue kit and another wearing the Liverpool strip. The mascot in Blue colours wore No.9 while the mascot in red colours had No.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 anthem 'He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother'.
Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre told Liverpoolfc.com: "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."
Blues boss David Moyes also paid a glowing tribute to the Hillsborough families in his programme notes.
Moyes wrote: "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 was nothing short of disgraceful."
Margaret Aspinall and Trevor Hicks from the Hillsborough Family Support Group were both attending the game as special guests of Everton chairman Bill Kenwright.