Liverpool make Hillsborough tribute ahead of 33rd anniversary of disaster, prior to Benfica clash

Prior to Liverpool’s clash with Benfica, there was an immaculately observed and emotional tribute at Anfield for those who died in the Hillsborough disaster. 

On Friday, it will be the 33rd anniversary of the tragedy that led to the death of 97 Liverpool supporters. 

An in an emotionally charged Anfield, the players, staff and supporters of both sides observed a minute’s silence before the game kicked off. 

Liverpool and Benfica observed a minute’s silence before kick-off at Anfield 

A ‘justice for the 97’ mosaic was held up by fans prior to kick-off on Tuesday night 

More than 12,000 cards were put out for fans to hold up and display the collective mosaic

The teams stood either side of the centre circle and the Kop held up a ‘justice for the 97’ display in the crowd. 

The mosaic was laid out before the match by volunteers and featured more than 12,000 cards, each held up by the fan in the corresponding seat on Wednesday night.  

The 1989 disaster took place during Liverpool’s FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest. It is still the deadliest sporting tragedy ever in Britain. 

Liverpool also put on a special matchday programme with a reference to the 97 on the cover 

A total of 95 fans were killed on the day or in the aftermath of the incident, with Tony Bland then passing away in 1993 and Andrew Devine losing his life last year. 

Both men eventually lost their lives as a result of injuries sustained at Hillsborough.   

Ahead of Liverpool’s quarter-final second leg against Benfica, a special programme was also made with ‘never forgotten’ written on the cover in relation to the 97. 

In the game itself, Ibrahima Konate headed Liverpool into a lead before Benfica equalised in the first half. But then two Roberto Firmino goals put the hosts in full control. Villarreal await in the Champions League semi-final. 

here was an immaculately observed silence in tribute to those who lost their lives