Stevie: Let's pay fitting tribute
Steven Gerrard admits today's Barclays Premier League clash with Manchester United will be an emotional occasion that will live long in the memory – and he insists it must be for all the right reasons.
In what will be the first Anfield game since the release of the Hillsborough Independent Panel's report, a series of pre-match tributes will take place in memory of the 96 supporters who died as well as recognising the courage, strength, dignity and fight the families and survivors have shown over the last 23 years as they pursued the truth about the 1989 disaster.
Manchester United will also pay their respects - and Gerrard wants both sets of fans to make sure the poignancy of the afternoon is not lost.
The captain told Liverpoolfc.com: "You've got to draw a line. Rivalries are fine, banter is fine, and when the game starts both teams will be doing everything they can in their power to win it.
"But when it comes down to tragedies and people losing their lives, it's a lot more important than football and I think it's important the supporters realise that, respect the situation on Sunday and support both teams in the right way."
He continued: "It will be the same for me as it'll be for all the supporters and everyone connected to the club. It'll be emotional in the build-up and up until kick off, but I think once the game starts it's important I focus on the job I need to do for the team to try and get this important win.
"It's been an emotional 10 days to two weeks for everyone connected to the club and I'm sure the build-up to kick off will be the same. It's a great opportunity for our supporters to get behind us and hopefully the team can deliver a win and dedicate it to the families."
Since the release of the Hillsborough Independent Panel's findings on September 12, the footballing world has united in showing their support for the campaign for justice.
Gerrard admits he's been touched by what he's witnessed.
"It's been unbelievable," he said. "When the breakthrough happened, it [the support] started with our neighbours from across the road, Everton. The tributes they've given us have been fantastic - and that's been [the case] up and down the country and throughout the world.
"I think it's brought the game together, which is great to see."