WEMBLEY TO REMEMBER THE 96

[alan ball]

The FA have confirmed a minute's silence will be held before Saturday's FA Cup semi-final at Wembley to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.

Liverpool and Everton players will wear black armbands in memory of the 96 Reds fans who lost their lives on April 15, 1989.

Before the match, Steven Gerrard will be joined by Blues skipper Phil Neville as the pair present members of the Hillsborough Family Support Group (HSFG) with bouquets of flowers.

Both captains will then lay tribute flowers to the Hillsborough victims at pitch side.

On Sunday, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur players will also mark the anniversary by wearing black armbands during their FA Cup semi-final.

Margaret Aspinall, chair of the HFSG, said: "The FA called me to ask if we wanted a minute's applause or a minute's silence and we thought that a minute's silence was more appropriate because that is what we have always had to remember Hillsborough.

"I think it's appropriate that the players will wear black armbands because it's right that they pay respects to the 96 - that will be a lovely tribute from both sides.

"The FA have been brilliant in the run up to this game and I hope the day goes well and that both sets of fans do our city proud."

FA spokesman Scott Field said: "We are very respectful to Liverpool FC in regards of this weekend. We understand the significance and the importance to the club, the fans, the staff and of course, the wider significance

[Chang Elephant]

Has this been happening for every FA semi final, whether on the exact anniversary or not (this semi's not) - if not what's the significance of the 23rd year ?

[Azzurri]

I highly doubt anyone will but if there's any drunken idiot who disrespects this they can **** off.

It's well known on Merseyside and to the educated that Everton fans were brilliantly supportive and respectful at the time of the disaster and we have been since.

Let's not give the media the chance to drag our name down and let's not give Kopites the moral high ground.

[BigDunc'sFod]

Has this been happening for every FA semi final, whether on the exact anniversary or not (this semi's not) - if not what's the significance of the 23rd year ?

Why are you arsed lad? I think it wouldn't have been an issue had Liverpool not been involved in a Semi.

I'm glad they're doing it. I'll be observing, as I do every year.

[davek]

It's inappropriate. We shouldn't have been placed in a position where we're browbeaten into accepting it. Observe a minutes reflection on Sunday. Think about those who lost their lives on that day. That's the way it should have run.

It's pure circus sideshow what's happening on Saturday. The Hillsborough families were appraoched on this and didn't even request it. And a lot of ill-feeling is being generated because of it. An absolute fcuk up from start to finish.

[Username]

I'd be happy with a Merseyside chant before the game starts, it's a great day for this city falling on the National and such so scousers in general will be under the spotlight.

[Phil Neville Superstar]

It's 60 seconds of silence to pay respect to our own people. I don't see why anyone should have a problem with this.

[Chang Elephant]

Why are you arsed lad? I think it wouldn't have been an issue had Liverpool not been involved in a Semi.

I'm glad they're doing it. I'll be observing, as I do every year.

Arsed because the semi is being hijacked a day early from the real anniversary. This is not Liverpool's first semi since Hillsborough.

Flowers at the side of a pitch 200 miles away from the actual event ?

[Azzurri]

I'm glad it's a minute's silence, though. A chance to show our impeccable behaviour and a proper way of remembering.

A minute's applause seems acceptable when celebrating someone's full, happy life. A minute's silence should be the way for things like this and I wish we'd had one for Ablett and Speed.

People dying young isn't something to be applauded.

[davek]

I'm glad it's a minute's silence, though. A chance to show our impeccable behaviour and a proper way of remembering.

A minute's applause seems acceptable when celebrating someone's full, happy life. A minute's silence should be the way for things like this and I wish we'd had one for Ablett and Speed.

People dying young isn't something to be applauded.

I think it'll be sold as this on the day (about them players as well as the 96 dead) to keep all on board with it. And I fully expect applause to break out.

[BigDunc'sFod]

It's inappropriate. We shouldn't have been placed in a position where we're browbeaten into accepting it. Observe a minutes reflection on Sunday. Think about those who lost their lives on that day. That's the way it should have run.

It's pure circus sideshow what's happening on Saturday. The Hillsborough families were appraoched on this and didn't even request it. And a lot of ill-feeling is being generated because of it. An absolute fcuk up from start to finish.

I'm pretty sure it's always been held by Liverpool on the footballing day closest to the date

[MoutsGoat]

No problem with this at all.

We will do our duty, respectfully and with honour, then smash these utter no marks into next week.

[scumbag76]

Lets just take this in our stride as a club and indeed as a whole. Its only right and proper that we respect Liverpool's wish to honour their supporters who didn't come home that fateful day and furthermore instill into the worlds collective memory how classy we as Evertonians are. We do not act like tits and never have done by and large, saturday will be no different.

After the silence is finished will be when our game face goes on and all the good will vanishes

[kev101]

no thanks

[EFCNIK]

Oh ffs K3V...

[bluejock]

no thanks

No thanks what?

[Matt Damon]

No problem with this at all.

We will do our duty, respectfully and with honour, then smash these utter no marks into next week.

THIS.

Its the Everton way.

[peteblue]

I'm pretty sure it's always been held by Liverpool on the footballing day closest to the date

There was a minutes silence at the Villa game.......

[davek]

Taken from The People's Forum:

"I can totally understand the minute's silence and the respects that should rightfully be paid to those who died that day, but ...I dunno... It's all too much of a show for me. Which probably sounds horrible, but I don't mean it to be.

In terms of meeting the families of those who lost loved ones, and the wreath laying and so on, isn't that what April 15th is about? After all, that is why Liverpool won't play on that day - so wouldn't that be better served at Anfield, the day after?
I dunno, I suppose with the TV coverage, the whole circus that has grown around this, I think this is to be expected/accepted. I want to believe, dispassionately, that the whole thing won't detract from the task at hand, but there has to be a level somewhere, where this is an advantage for Liverpool and a disadvantage for whomever their opponent is, irrespective of the occasion?

When I went to Wembley in 1989, I knew that there was no way whatsoever that we were coming home with the cup that day. Indeed for pretty much most of the game, we played like we didn't want to be there, and didn't belong there. I hope we don't fall into that trap again on Saturday. It was a horrible journey up and a horrible journey home in 1989. There was a bit of a curious edge to it, some lads on our coach, Liverpool fans, weren't in the least bit concerned that the game had been won. For many it was a catharsis that day. Just get the ####ing thing over and done with. Of course, for many they celebrated and enjoyed it, and good luck to them. It was FA Cup Final day and let them enjoy it was my motto. I went along, and to this day, I don't know why. It was a horrible period and I don't look back on any of it if I can help it.

Saturday is different. It's a generation ago. But the fact remains, Everton, on and off the pitch, need to be mentally strong for the duration and they need to fight them for every pass and every tackle, and not let up, and not relent and not give in until the final kick is done. In many, many ways, this will be tougher than the final, if they get there, and whomever they play. I still don't know if we, as a team, have the intensity required to win this game, and all this sideshow will add to that. "


That's pretty much right on the money, imo.

[paulbefc]

Taken from The People's Forum:

"I can totally understand the minute's silence and the respects that should rightfully be paid to those who died that day, but ...I dunno... It's all too much of a show for me. Which probably sounds horrible, but I don't mean it to be.

In terms of meeting the families of those who lost loved ones, and the wreath laying and so on, isn't that what April 15th is about? After all, that is why Liverpool won't play on that day - so wouldn't that be better served at Anfield, the day after?
I dunno, I suppose with the TV coverage, the whole circus that has grown around this, I think this is to be expected/accepted. I want to believe, dispassionately, that the whole thing won't detract from the task at hand, but there has to be a level somewhere, where this is an advantage for Liverpool and a disadvantage for whomever their opponent is, irrespective of the occasion?

When I went to Wembley in 1989, I knew that there was no way whatsoever that we were coming home with the cup that day. Indeed for pretty much most of the game, we played like we didn't want to be there, and didn't belong there. I hope we don't fall into that trap again on Saturday. It was a horrible journey up and a horrible journey home in 1989. There was a bit of a curious edge to it, some lads on our coach, Liverpool fans, weren't in the least bit concerned that the game had been won. For many it was a catharsis that day. Just get the ####ing thing over and done with. Of course, for many they celebrated and enjoyed it, and good luck to them. It was FA Cup Final day and let them enjoy it was my motto. I went along, and to this day, I don't know why. It was a horrible period and I don't look back on any of it if I can help it.

Saturday is different. It's a generation ago. But the fact remains, Everton, on and off the pitch, need to be mentally strong for the duration and they need to fight them for every pass and every tackle, and not let up, and not relent and not give in until the final kick is done. In many, many ways, this will be tougher than the final, if they get there, and whomever they play. I still don't know if we, as a team, have the intensity required to win this game, and all this sideshow will add to that. "


That's pretty much right on the money, imo.

Urgh. I'm really, really trying to remain 100% positive about this match but it's not happening. I feel like it could be another one of their special days where they win and all you can hear is YNWA and all you can see is banners and scarves.