Liverpool stops to remember Hillsborough

THOUSANDS of Liverpool fans gathered in Anfield to remember the 96 people who died in Hillsborough some 21 years ago.

Thousands more gathered outside the football ground, while millions more took time out to pay their respects on what remains, 21 years later to the day, one of the most tragic moments in the history of football.

A minute’s silence was observed at 3.06pm, the moment when the 1989 FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest was halted as officials realised fans were being crushed on the terraces.

Liverpool and Republic of Ireland star John Aldridge led the commemoration. Aldridge, who made over 80 appearances for Liverpool FC in the 1980s, was joined by Inspector Bernie Swift of Merseyside Police to deliver readings during a memorial service at Anfield stadium.

During the ceremony, the names of the 96 people who died were read out and a candle lit in memory of each one.

The service was organised by the Hillsborough Families Support group and only ticket-holders will be able to attend the event at Anfield. More than 10,000 people attended.

This was the first year that the memorial was a ticket-only event. The decision was taken for safety reasons after an unexpected 30,000 people attended last year’s service marking the 20th anniversary.

Shortly after the memorial, the Government, with emergency services in South Yorkshire and Sheffield City Council, agreed to open up previously unseen documents relating to the tragedy.

Liverpool FC manager Rafa Benitez, with his entire squad and staff, also attended the service. Benitez paid tribute to the people of Liverpool yesterday. The service is Benitez’s sixth as Reds boss, and he revealed his respect for the city of Liverpool, its people and the football club, as well as stressing the importance of the date for everyone at the club and wider community.

He said: “Since I’ve been here it’s always been very, very emotional. All the players and all the staff are always there trying to support the families because it is a very important day for the club.

“The first time I went to the memorial service I was so impressed by what happens at this club. You can see the people and all the feelings. It’s a poignant occasion to keep everyone remembering.”

Along with Liverpool stalwarts Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, the Spaniard was presented with commemorative coins to mark the disaster.

The Bishop of Liverpool, the Right Reverend James Jones, who is chairman of the Hillsborough Independent Panel, is overseeing the release of documents not previously made public.

After a two-decade fight, the authorities finally agreed to release more than 30,000 documents of evidence.

He said: “I know this is a very difficult and distressing time for the families of the 96 who lost their lives at Hillsborough.

“It is our solemn responsibility to ensure that the memory of the 96, and all those whose lives were changed forever by those terrible events, can never be forgotten.”