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Everton & Liverpool to join together in touching Hillsborough derby tribute

  /  autty

A banner symbolising the solidarity between Everton and Liverpool over Hillsborough is set to be held across the home-away divide at Anfield tonight.

The Reds and Blues do battle in the 234th Merseyside derby less than a week after the police officer in overall command on the day of the disaster was acquitted of criminal charges.

Following tributes by supporters on the Kop at Saturday's home win over Brighton, a mosaic will be unveiled across that famous end of Anfield before the derby in tribute to the 96, their families, the survivors and the campaigners.

But Everton supporters will be paying their respects as well.

Blues supporter Peter MacFarlane has made a banner which sums up the togetherness across Merseyside that has defined the three decades since that fateful day.

It reads simply: "All Scousers know the truth. Justice for the 96" amongst the two club badges of Everton and Liverpool and the iconic justice flame.

Peter, who will be in the Anfield Road end supporting his beloved Blues, hopes he will able to stretch the banner across the home-away divide with a Liverpool supporter holding the other end.

The lifeling Blue, who works for Fitwell TimE Design in south Liverpool, said: "I'm hoping that a red can hold up the red side from across the police cordon between the fans.

"Some things genuinely do transcend rivalry and I think when it comes to the injustice and horror of Hillsborough we can all agree.

"After the verdict was announced last week, I thought it would be a good way to show solidarity with the families.

"Our MD Tim Edwards is a massive red and when I went to him with the design, he approved it straight away.

"I offered to pay or go halves but he refused to take any money for it.

"I thought the symbolism of the two colours/badges joined together by the 96 symbol was important as it represents how the city has come together in the fight for justice.

"I've had a few offers from fans to hold it up, I think I'm just going to get in first and make my way over!

"Anyone is welcome to help hold it up."

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