It's not often that two sets of opposition supporters find common ground ahead of a derby.
As Liverpool and Everton prepared for kick-off in tonight's Merseyside derby, both sets of supporters joined in a touching rendition of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' in tribute to the victims of the Hillsborough disaster.
30 years on from the tragedy, the affected families' search for justice continues after the recent acquittal of David Duckenfield, the South Yorkshire police chief superintendent who was in charge of policing the 1989 FA Cup semi-final where 96 people lost their lives. He was found not guilty of gross negligence manslaughter at Preston crown court last week.
This derby holds great significance for both teams for a number of on-field reasons. The home side are looking to restore their 11 point lead at the top of the Premier League ahead of a difficult run of fixtures this month, while struggling Everton are hoping that a first derby win in nine years could help keep Marco Silva in the job.
But the scenes ahead of kick-off were a touching reminder that the memory of the Hillsborough victims can even take precedence within one of English football's fiercest rivalries.
🔊 Anfield in full voice for the Merseyside Derby!
🙏 The stadium unites for a tribute to the Hillsborough victims
📺 Liverpool v Everton is LIVE now on Premier Sports 1 (🇮🇪 ROI only)#LIVEVE pic.twitter.com/FGQVHl6JHK— Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) December 4, 2019
