Everton marked the 37th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster with a powerful and emotional tribute on Wednesday, unveiling a permanent memorial to the 97 Liverpool supporters who were unlawfully killed in 1989. The ceremony took place at the club’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium, where a plaque now stands outside the South Stand — a lasting symbol of remembrance in a city still shaped by the tragedy.
Representatives of the Hillsborough families were present alongside figures from both Everton and Liverpool, underlining the unity that continues to define Merseyside when it comes to honouring the 97. The moment was quiet, respectful and deeply moving, reflecting the enduring impact of the disaster more than three decades on.
Families, legends and clubs come together in tribute
The ceremony brought together some of the most significant figures connected to Hillsborough and its legacy. Sir Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool’s manager at the time of the FA Cup semi-final in 1989, attended alongside club legend Ian Rush. Both laid floral tributes on behalf of Liverpool, acknowledging the lives lost and the families who have spent years seeking justice.
Among those who laid a wreath was Stephen Kelly, a Hillsborough campaigner and lifelong Everton supporter who lost his older brother, Michael, in the disaster. His presence was a stark reminder that the tragedy affected families across the city, regardless of club allegiance.
Everton’s representation included club legend Graeme Sharp, ambassadors Ian Snodin and Graham Stuart, and chief executive Angus Kinnear. Liverpool chief executive Billy Hogan also attended, further reinforcing the shared commitment between the two clubs to remember the victims and support their families.
The unveiling of the plaque at Hill Dickinson Stadium ensures that the memory of the 97 will be permanently embedded in Everton’s new home. For supporters who will pass through the South Stand in years to come, it will serve as a daily reminder of the lives lost and the importance of never forgetting.
A moment of unity ahead of the first derby at the new stadium
The timing of the tribute carries added emotional weight. Everton and Liverpool are set to meet on Sunday in the first Merseyside derby to be staged at Hill Dickinson Stadium. While that match will bring intensity and rivalry back into focus, Wednesday’s ceremony showed a different side of football — one defined by solidarity, respect and shared history.
Across the city, Liverpool also marked the anniversary with a series of tributes. Players, staff and head coach Arne Slot gathered at the club’s training ground to observe a period of silence beside the Hillsborough memorial. Later, at Anfield, the entire club paused at exactly 3:06pm — the moment the match against Nottingham Forest was stopped on 15 April 1989.
In a moving gesture, 97 balloons were released from the centre circle at Anfield, each representing one of the supporters who never returned home. The tribute echoed scenes seen every year on this date, reinforcing how deeply Hillsborough remains part of Liverpool’s identity.
The disaster, which unfolded during an FA Cup semi-final at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield, led to the deaths of 97 men, women and children. In the decades since, the families of the victims have fought tirelessly for justice, accountability and the truth — a campaign that has reshaped public understanding of the tragedy and its aftermath.
Tributes like the one unveiled by Everton are part of that continuing legacy. They are not just about remembrance, but about recognition — of what happened, of those who were lost, and of the long struggle endured by their loved ones.
For Everton, placing this memorial at the heart of its new stadium sends a clear message. As the club steps into a new era, it does so with a commitment to honouring the past. The plaque stands not only as a tribute, but as a promise that the memory of the 97 will remain central to the fabric of football in the city.
Sunday’s derby will bring noise, passion and fierce competition. But the events of this week have already shown what matters most. Before the rivalry resumes, both clubs stood together — united in grief, respect and remembrance.
For a detailed look at the history and legacy of the Hillsborough disaster, visit The Guardian’s coverage.
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