Everton v Liverpool: Hillsborough plaque to be unveiled

Before they do battle in the 224th Merseyside derby Everton and Liverpool will united once more as a plaque in honour of the 96 who died at the Hillsborough disaster will be unveiled outside Goodison Park.

Chairman Bill Kenwright and Margaret Aspinall, Chair of the Hillsborough Family Support Group, will be present at the unveiling outside the Park End stand at Goodison as well as other Support Group family members.

Speaking prior to the unveiling, Aspinall said:

"This is a really lovely gesture from Everton, paying tribute to the 96 who lost their lives at Hillsborough.

I would like to thank Bill and everyone involved, not least the Everton fans who have provided great support to the families over the years."

There is already a permanent memorial to the 96 at Anfield but the plaque at Goodison will reflect the fact so many Evertonians were affected also by the tragedy, losing friends and loved ones, as well as standing side-by-side with their footballing rivals in the immediate aftermath of the disaster and the long fight for justice since.

Everton fan Stephen Kelly lost his brother Michael in the 1989 disaster and was one of those who suggested the idea to the club.

Speaking the the official site, Stephen said of the memorial:

"As an Evertonian who lost my brother at Hillsborough, I have always been grateful of the support from the blue side of the city. I hope that when Evertonians look at this they will feel proud of the way we’ve supported our neighbours."