Merseyside Rivals Unite in Solemn Tribute on Disaster Anniversary
In a powerful display of solidarity transcending football rivalry, Everton Football Club has unveiled a permanent memorial at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium dedicated to the 97 Liverpool supporters who lost their lives in the Hillsborough disaster. The ceremony, held on the 37th anniversary of the tragedy, brought together representatives from both clubs and the families of the victims.
The plaque, situated outside the South Stand, was revealed during a private ceremony attended by key figures from Merseyside football. The event underscores the deep, shared history and grief that binds the two clubs, despite their fierce on-pitch competition.
A Ceremony of Shared Respect
The gathering was notably attended by Sir Kenny Dalglish, who was Liverpool manager in 1989, and club legend Ian Rush, who laid floral tributes on behalf of Liverpool FC. Their presence, alongside Everton great Graeme Sharp and club executives, highlighted the mutual respect at the heart of the Merseyside derby.
Stephen Kelly, an Everton supporter and Hillsborough campaigner who lost his brother Michael in the disaster, was among those who laid a wreath. His participation poignantly illustrated how the tragedy affected families across the city's football divide. The ceremony was also attended by chief executives Angus Kinnear of Everton and Billy Hogan of Liverpool.
Date: 15 April 2026 (37th Anniversary)
Location: Hill Dickinson Stadium, South Stand
Memorial: Permanent plaque unveiled
Key Attendees: Families, Sir Kenny Dalglish, Ian Rush, Graeme Sharp, Club Executives
Parallel Tributes Across the City
As the ceremony took place at Everton's new home, Liverpool FC held its own moments of remembrance. The first-team squad, staff, and head coach Arne Slot observed a period of silence at the club's training ground beside the existing Hillsborough memorial.
At 3:06pm—the precise time the 1989 FA Cup semi-final was halted—the entire club fell silent. Later, 97 balloons were released from the centre circle at Anfield, a symbolic act marking each life lost.
A Poignant Prelude to a Historic Derby
The tribute adds a profound layer of context to the upcoming Merseyside derby this Sunday, which will be the first ever held at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium. The match, always fiercely contested, will now be played in the shadow of this permanent reminder of shared loss and resilience.
The installation of the memorial by Everton, proactively honouring their rivals' fallen supporters, reinforces the unique nature of the Liverpool-Everton relationship, where community and remembrance often outweigh rivalry.
Key Takeaways
- Everton has installed a permanent plaque at their new stadium honouring the 97 victims of the Hillsborough disaster.
- The unveiling ceremony united figures from both clubs, including legends Sir Kenny Dalglish, Ian Rush, and Graeme Sharp.
- The tribute occurs days before the first Merseyside derby to be played at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium.
- Liverpool FC held parallel tributes, including a silence at 3:06pm and a balloon release at Anfield.
- The act underscores the deep communal bonds between the rival clubs in remembrance of tragedy.
