LFC issues message of support to Boston
Liverpool Football Club tonight issued a message of support to the people of Boston after a number of explosions in the city resulted in a loss of life during the Boston Marathon.
Two people were reported dead in the immediate aftermath of the explosions, with many more injured in the blasts that marred what is the city's showpiece sporting event on Patriot's Day in Boston.
Liverpool FC are owned by the Boston-based Fenway Sports Group and last July played a match at the iconic Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox baseball team.
The club also have a sizable fan club based in the city - with many fans sharing a passion for both the football club and the local baseball team.
Four members of FSG - LFC's principal owner John W Henry, wife Linda Pizzuti, LFC chairman Tom Werner and the club's commercial director Billy Hogan - were actually in Liverpool today to join families at the Hillsborough Memorial Service to mark the 24th anniversary of the disaster which claimed the lives of 96 supporters in 1989.
After reading Psalm 23, 'The Lord is My Shepherd', Henry addressed the packed Kop inside Anfield and said: "I can understand the importance of the 96 to the club.
"I have been humbled by the dignity and perseverance of the families in their search for truth and justice. It is an honour to be here on this particular day, the first service since the publication of the Hillsborough Independent Panel's report.
"Now there is a real belief that justice will be served. This club will always cherish the memory of family and friends lost 24 years ago today. They will forever be part of Liverpool Football Club."
Later in the day, Adrian Zambrano, a Liverpool FC fan in Boston, tweeted Henry on Twitter to tell him he was "Running the #BostonMarathon in honor of the 96" and posted a picture of himself on the starting line holding up an LFC shirt with the message 'Honouring The 96 YNWA' printed on the back.
Tonight, Pizzuti posted the following message on her own personal Twitter account: "Horrified by images coming back from Boston marathon. Thoughts and prayers are with runners and bystanders."
Her thoughts are echoed by everyone connected to Liverpool Football Club tonight.