Everton pay respects at Goodison and Anfield

, 15 April, 11comments | Jump to most recent

Representatives from on and off the field at Everton FC joined neighbours Liverpool in marking the 25th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster today at services held at Anfield and Goodison Park.

Roberto Martinez represented Everton with a moving speech at Anfield stadium in which he reaffirmed Everton's support for Liverpool FC, its fans and the victims of the tragedy.

Bill Kenwright, meanwhile, led the tributes to the 96 and their families at a special screening of the Anfield memorial service at Goodison Park during which he recited the words to the reds' anthem, "You'll Never Walk Alone".

Everton captain, Phil Jagielka also spoke on behalf of the Blues' players in saying that their "thoughts and prayers are with every single family member and friend of the 96 supporters who went to an FA Cup semi-final 25 years ago and unfortunately never came home," while Leighton Baines recited "A Sad Farewell".

A mile across Stanley Park, Martinez said:

“How can anyone die watching the game you love? That isn't right, that isn't fair.”

"But as my chairman said last year, they picked on the wrong city."

He added: “I know I don't have to tell you Everton are with you, you know that. Everton remembers, we always will.”

» Watch Roberto's speech

Reader Comments (11)

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Alan Humphreys
1 Posted 15/04/2014 at 23:28:11

A very touching speech from Roberto. Heartfelt and compassionate.

And also from Brendan Rogers, two 'foreign' managers who understand their respective clubs, their fans and the city in which they ply their work.

Eugene Ruane
2 Posted 15/04/2014 at 23:37:52

Terrific stuff from both managers, both clubs and supporters.

Brian Denton
3 Posted 15/04/2014 at 23:40:14

Roberto Martinez is one of the most articulate and intelligent men in football. He is also a man of great integrity, it seems. I just hope we can inject him with enough of the Everton drug to make him stay with us.

I also give Bill credit for days like this, where he always hits exactly the right note.

Graham Shaw
4 Posted 15/04/2014 at 23:44:54

The Goodison tribute to the 96 was warm, heartfelt and delivered with the class and dignity we have come to expect of the club and the fans.

Kieran Riding
5 Posted 16/04/2014 at 00:14:50

Roberto is one class act.

Talking in such a situation, with such clarity and feeling.. In what is his second language.. Superb.

Kenwright sometimes makes me emotional, sometimes he makes me cringe..

Chad Schofield
6 Posted 16/04/2014 at 01:23:15

I thought he struck the right notes completely and was thoroughly impressed with his delivery.

Dave Rinehart
7 Posted 16/04/2014 at 04:05:46

I have been following Everton for about 7 years, so I don't have the history that most do on this website. However, having been to Liverpool and experiencing the city and the people and currently reading Hillsborough The Truth, RM's words today brought tears to my eyes. I am a red blooded American (and proud of it), but when you start to understand what happened and the injustices experienced anyone with a heart and half a brain would be sympathetic to the magnitude of loss that occurred 25 years ago. No words will ever placate what happened on that day, but a small prayer from the other side of the pond is the least I can offer.

Tony Cawson
8 Posted 16/04/2014 at 13:01:58

Thanks to Dave Rinehart (570). Nice words, I hope you're enjoying the Everton rollercoaster! Keep following and spread the word.

Get yourself over for a game, the locals on here would be happy to help you make plans.

Trevor Lynes
9 Posted 16/04/2014 at 14:51:53

Fantastic tributes paid by both managers and Roberto rises higher in my estimation with everything he does and says.

For a man speaking in his second language he is more eloquent and clear than virtually every other manager in the division.

DM did a great job with us before handing over the reins to Martinez but unfortunately he did not carry the charisma that our present manager has in abundance.

Moyes established a fine foundation with a defence as good as any other in the division but Roberto is in the process of creating an Everton squad that gets results and entertains.

Dave Rinehart
10 Posted 16/04/2014 at 15:33:05

Thanks Tony (632). Had a few drinks at the time of the writing but it came from the heart. Finally made it to Goodison earlier this year (Villa game). Loved every minute of it.

Danny Kewley
11 Posted 16/04/2014 at 19:26:37

Brilliant speech by both managers, felt very emotional reading through all the posts and totally agree with RMs summing up Everton Remembers!

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