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

 

[Goat]

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...