For the 96

The footballing world had eyes on Goodison Park last night as Everton paid tribute to the 96 innocent victims of the Hillsborough disaster.

The recent enquiry into the disaster may have shocked many in the media and football fans up and down the country, but in Merseyside it was about finally unveiling the truth, a truth that has taken 23 years to finally come out.

Justice for the 96 undoubtedly will follow with ongoing legal issues and investigations, but last night we had the chance to pay tribute to the victims and their families.

The Everton team were led out on to the pitch by two mascots ahead of the game against Newcastle. One was in an Everton shirt, the other in a Liverpool shirt.

Hand in hand they walked out on to the field, with 9 on the back of the Everton shirt and 6 on the Liverpool top.

There was then a minute`s applause, a montage of the fallen 96 was displayed on the big screen, whilst the Hollies` classic 'He Ain`t Heavy, He`s My Brother` was played out around the ground.

"I would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to all the staff and fans at Everton Football Club from everyone at Liverpool for the display of support you have shown the Hillsborough families tonight.' Liverpool Football Club managing director Ian Ayre told the Echo.

He continued: "We`ve always been great rivals on the pitch but off it, the two clubs have always supported each other. In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, Everton Football Club was there for us and that solidarity was on display again last week when the Hillsborough Independent Panel`s findings were revealed.

"At times like this, football rivalries take a back seat - something that makes this city unique and I think supporters of both clubs can be immensely proud of the way they have conducted themselves over the past days, weeks and years since the tragedy."

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