Ayre: It was an emotional day
Ian Ayre today thanked Manchester United for the role they played in helping Liverpool honour the memories of the 96 fans who died at Hillsborough in the first home game since the release of the Independent Panel report.
On an emotional afternoon, both teams took to the field wearing jackets with 96 printed on the back, Anfield created three mosaics in honour of those who lost their lives and captains Steven Gerrard and Ryan Giggs released 96 red balloons into the sky prior to kick off.
Meanwhile, United club ambassador Bobby Charlton presented flowers to Ian Rush to lay at the Hillsborough memorial.
It made for a poignant afternoon for everybody connected with Liverpool Football Club, and afterwards Ayre was eager to express his gratitude - both to United and also the wider footballing community who have rallied in support of the campaign for justice over the past 10 days.
Ayre told Liverpoolfc.com: "Today was a very emotional day for everyone inside Anfield and I'd like to thank Manchester United Football Club for their gestures of support.
"A lot is written about the fierce rivalry between the two clubs - and it is a great rivalry - but people forget to mention that in the immediate aftermath of the disaster, Alex Ferguson was one of the first to phone Kenny. He asked if there was anything Manchester United could do to help and even arranged for a group of their fans to come and lay scarves and flowers at Anfield as a mark of respect. It's something that Kenny has never forgotten.
"Manchester United are not alone, though. Ever since the Hillsborough Independent Panel's report was released, the reaction from the entire football community has been magnificent.
"We all saw what Everton and their supporters did on Monday night and while they're obviously a lot closer to the tragedy than many clubs, I've found the response from all over the UK and even abroad very touching and I'm sure the families and our wider fan base would agree with that.
"Last Saturday, Sunderland were brilliant and then to hear about fans from clubs like Arsenal, Carlisle, Stoke, Manchester City, Rangers, Celtic and many more all paying their respects is very touching.
"I know a lot of other clubs played 'You'll Never Walk Alone' before kick-off and even saw a picture from the Welsh league with fans of Port Talbot Town holding up a banner in support of justice.
"This sport can get a lot of bad press at times, and some rightly deserved, but when it matters, the football community pulls together and over the last 10 days we've seen that.
"On behalf of everyone at Liverpool Football Club, I just want to say thank-you."