Baines: Goal was for the 96
Everton defender Leighton Baines dedicated his goal on Monday to the 96 Liverpool fans who lost their lives at Hillsborough.
Baines struck in the 15th minute against Newcastle United at Goodison Park and after the match, which finished in a 2-2 draw, the England international offered his thoughts on the subject.
"I'd dedicate it to them definitely," said Baines. "But then it's hard to relate me scoring or the game in general with Hillsborough in some respects because football pales into a certain level of insignificance when you compare the two."
The 27-year-old has particular reason to remember the tragedy, as his father, a Liverpool supporter, was present on the day of the disaster on April 15, 1989.
Everton paid an emotional tribute before the Barclays Premier League fixture against the Magpies, with a minute's applause taking place and a montage of the 96 being screened.
In a poignant gesture, the club also kitted the two mascots for the match in blue and red outfits respectively. One wore No.9 and the other wore No.6 to mark the 96 side by side.
Baines was pleased to see Everton pay respect to their Merseyside neighbours and hopes the families of those who lost their lives at Hillsborough will get justice following the release of the Hillsborough Independent Panel report last week.
He concluded: "I thought what we did at the start of the game was a nice touch and hopefully now people can start to move forward, and perhaps get some of the closure that they need."