Hillsborough: Twenty Year Remembrance

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Families Handed Freedom Of Liverpool (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N164039090416-1050.htm)
The families of the 96 Liverpool fans who lost their lives at Hillsborough were handed the Freedom of the City of Liverpool last night.
In an emotional ceremony at Liverpool Town Hall, Trevor Hicks, president of the Hillsborough Family Support Group, signed for the honour on the families' behalf.

"I do not think anywhere in the world could have been as supportive as this city has been," Hicks told those in attendance in the Grand Ballroom.

"It is with great honour and humility that I accept this."

Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool's manager at the time of Hillsborough, then lit a candle in memory of the 96.

The families were also joined at the ceremony by Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Rafa Benitez, Alan Hansen and Alan Kennedy.

Earlier in the day, a moving memorial service at Anfield was attended by an estimated 28,000 people.

Hundreds of floral tributes, scarves and a variety of different football shirts were laid next to the Hillsborough memorial and tied to the Shankly Gates.

The commemoration was opened by the Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Rev James Jones, before the 96 names were read out and a candle lit in each of their memories.

At 3:06pm, a two-minute silence was impeccably observed at the stadium and across Liverpool as the city, including public transport, ground to a halt in memory of the 96. Similar silences were held in Sheffield and Nottingham.

The bells of Liverpool's two cathedrals and civic buildings then rang out 96 times at 3:08pm.

Liverpool Lord Mayor Cllr Steve Rotheram joined Hicks in giving a rousing speech before the Mayor and Liverpool manager Benitez symbolically laid a scarf on the penalty spot in front of the Kop.

The duo released 96 red balloons into the afternoon sky as Gerrard and Carragher presented Hicks with a Freedom of the City scroll to Hicks, on behalf of all the families.

The memorial concluded as Gerry Marsden sang an emotional rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone.

YNWA From Hillsborough 2009 Memorial Service

[liverbird]

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[UncleMike]

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This is the best one yet.

[Andy Bennett]

http://www.independent.ie/multimedia/archive/00310/hill14_getty_310886s.jpg
That's a nice one. Like I said, there are some things that go way, way beyond football, like when they played the Everton theme at Anfield, (the old theme from Z-Cars), before a game just after Rhys Jones was killed.

YouTube - Tribute To Rhys Jones From Anfield

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Itandje In Trouble Over Behavior At Hillsborough Memorial (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2009/04/17/liverpool-fc-s-charles-itandje-in-hillsborough-storm-100252-23408154/)
CHARLES ITANDJE’S Liverpool career could be in jeopardy following allegations that he behaved inappropriately at Wednesday’s Hillsborough memorial service.

Television footage of the event appeared to show the out of favour keeper fooling around during the ceremony and senior officials at Liverpool are already looking into the incident with a view to taking disciplinary action against him.

Hundreds of outraged Liverpool supporters have complained about Itandje’s behaviour on internet message boards with most pointing out that his behaviour was totally at odds with the solemn occasion which commemorated the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough tragedy in which 96 Reds fans lost their lives.

The rest of the Liverpool squad conducted themselves impeccably during the service, as did members of the youth and reserve teams who were also present.

A senior Anfield figure who has viewed the footage from Wednesday’s service admitted to the ECHO that Itandje’s behaviour on Wednesday was “wholly unacceptable” and confirmed that the club is looking into the possibility of taking appropriate action against the 26-year-old.

Rafa Benitez is also said to be disgusted having seen the images himself having been alerted to the issue and has moved swiftly to seek action against the player.

Itandje joined Liverpool on a free transfer in the summer of 2007 and the former Lens man has only featured in seven first team games since then with his last appearance coming in last season’s shock FA Cup exit at the hands of Barnsley.

Though he retains a squad number, Itandje has not been included in Benitez’s first team squad all season and unsuccessful attempts have been made to offload him in the last two transfer windows.

Meanwhile, Liverpool’s players were today returning to training following their midweek European heroics at Stamford Bridge.

The first team squad were given yesterday off but their preparations will now begin in earnest for their latest must win game in the Premier League – next Tuesday’s rearranged fixture against Arsenal.

Steven Gerrard will continue to undergo intensive treatment on his groin injury in a bid to be ready for the visit of the Gunners with the fitness of the Reds skipper being Benitez’s only real worry.

Thomas Ince Dedicates Youth Cup Win To 96 (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N164057090417-1302.htm)
Ince and his teammates attended Wednesday's memorial service at Anfield, which marked the 20th anniversary of the tragedy, and the youngster believes it inspired the team to their 3-0 semi-final first leg win a day later.

"When we went to Anfield and saw the fans paying their tributes it was unbelievable. It was an inspiration for us," Ince said.

"We knew it wasn't only that we had a potential final to look forward to, but the fact that we could pay our own tribute to the 96 that died.

"It was pleasing to pay tribute to them with a 3-0 win and hopefully we have done them proud."

The forward certainly played his part on the night and enjoyed his role behind two-goal Lauri Dalla Valle.

"Over the last few games I have been playing in that position as it allows me to get in the gap between midfield and the back four, which allows me to do what I do best," he said.

"I am enjoying the role and I feel I am more involved in the game."

Hugh McAuley's men were leading 3-0 at the interval, but failed to add to their goal tally in the second half.

"Going in a few goals up helped us calm the nerves, but in the second half we got a little bit sloppy," added Ince.

"I think there were a few tired legs, but we can work on that in training and hopefully put the first-half performance on for a full 90 minutes."

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The Itandje controversy is gathering steam. It is now being reported by BBC. I wonder what was going through his head? He is either an idiot, an inconsiderate ass, or both.

LFC Probes Itandje Incident (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/merseyside/8005039.stm)
A Liverpool footballer is at the centre of a club inquiry after allegations he laughed and joked during Wednesday's Hillsborough memorial service.

Reserve goalkeeper Charles Itandje, 26, appears to be laughing on TV footage of the service held at Anfield to remember the 96 Liverpool fans killed in 1989.
About 30,000 football supporters, players past and present and families of survivors attended the service.

The club has yet to comment but fans have criticised Itandje's behaviour.

The footage of the French goalkeeper, who was sitting in the Kop with fellow players, behind families of the victims, is being circulated on the internet.

Richie Pedder, chairman of the LFC supporters' club, said: "I don't think he realised the importance of the occasion.

"That sort of behaviour was not appropriate.

"I don't think he will still be at the club come the summer."

The 96 Liverpool fans were crushed to death during Liverpool's FA Cup semi final against Nottingham Forest on 15 April 1989.

Many fans have written comments branding Itandje disrespectful, immature and insensitive or have called for him to be sacked or sold.

One comment on the popular lfcreds.com site said: "Hillsborough is a very meaningful and important event for Liverpool, the families of the victims, the club, the team and the people of Liverpool.

"If Itandje really did that, then he has no respect."

Itandje signed for Liverpool in August 2007 and made his first team debut the following month, but has not played for the first team this season.

He was placed on the club's transfer list last summer.

Margaret Aspinall, who lost her 18-year-old son James in the stadium disaster and is vice chair of the Hillsborough Families Support Group, said: "I'm sure the club will investigate it properly."

It's hard to tell from the video (link here (http://www.boxofficefootball.com/goalkeeper-charles-itandje-laughing-hillsborough-service/)), but you can definitely tell he was doing something stupid, something he shouldn't have been doing. He was trying to get Plessis (I think that's who is sitting next to him) in on it too. Just shameful.

[gedkeeley]

justice for the 96

[Andy Bennett]

It's hard to tell from the video (link here (http://www.boxofficefootball.com/goalkeeper-charles-itandje-laughing-hillsborough-service/)),
Er... is that it? :confused:

The reaction seems a bit over the top if that's all he did, tbh.

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Er... is that it? :confused:

The reaction seems a bit over the top if that's all he did, tbh.

I know. The video quality isn't really good. It's hard to tell.

[Andy Bennett]

I know. The video quality isn't really good. It's hard to tell.
Having said that he's a bit of a dick to even be doing that but there we are. Just seems a bit OTT is all.

[Nino The God]

I know this is a bit belated, but I speak for myself and those from the Real Madrid forum when I say that we are sorry for the losses of Liverpool's 96. May their souls rest in peace. YNWA.

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Mascherano - Liverpudlians Are Amazing (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N164059090418-0815.htm)
"I have never seen anything like it in my life," Mascherano told Liverpoolfc.tv. "I spoke to some people in Argentina about it because it was amazing to see the stadium almost full for a memorial service. It would not happen at other clubs or in other countries.

"It's great the way the fans and the city came together. They still remember after 20 years the people who lost their lives.

"When I came here I didn't know what happened 20 years ago but living in the city and playing for Liverpool you hear all the stories. It was so sad."

Mascherano's first professional club, River Plate, endured their own stadium disaster in 1968 when 74 people died trying to escape a fire.

"In Argentina something similar happened many years ago at River Plate but they don't remember like Liverpool fans remember," added the 24-year-old.

Itandje Suspended (http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/9466006/Reds-tell-Itandje-to-stay-away)
"Charles Itandje has now been officially suspended for 14 days by the club while we investigate his conduct during the Hillsborough Memorial Service."

Itandje Apologizes (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N164063090418-0810.htm) - He is handling it well. He did something stupid, but he is apologizing to the public and he wants to meet with the families privately to apologize as well.
Itandje has today issued a full and unreserved apology for his behaviour during the service, and pledged to meet with the Hillsborough families to apologise in person.

"First of all, if my behaviour has caused offence to anyone then I can only apologise," he told the Liverpool Echo.

"I am sorry. I am sorry. I am sorry. A thousand times, I am sorry.

"To the club, to the fans and especially to the families, I am deeply sorry.

"It was, of course, never my intention to offend or disrespect anyone.

"The events at Hillsborough were a tragedy and in no way did I mean to disrespect the memory of what happened 20 years ago. I would never do that. I would like to speak to the families in person to offer my apologies to them because, like I said, I never meant to hurt anyone."

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BARRETT - How Simple Gesture Of Solidarity Says So Much (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2009/04/18/how-simple-gesture-of-hillsborough-solidarity-says-so-much-100252-23410977/)
LIKE countless others at Anfield last Saturday, I made my way to the Hillsborough memorial which resides beside the Shankly Gates to pay my respects to the 96 Liverpool fans who lost their lives in British sport’s worst ever disaster.

The match against Blackburn had ended over an hour earlier but there was still a queue of like minded people, some clutching bunches of flowers to lay in front of the eternal flame and others with scarves to adorn the marble monument.

In front of me was an Irishman and his son of no more than six or seven who minutes later would bless themselves and say a silent prayer in front of the memorial before father embraced son in a way which parents tend to following such emotional and tender shared moments.

Behind me was a middle aged Everton fan who stood out because he was wearing his distinctive blue and white shirt as he proudly represented the club he loves. In his hands was a single rose which, like almost everything else in view post match, was the kind of red which Bill Shankly wanted his players dressed in from head to toe.

The passing of 20 years means memories of April 15, 1989 and the immediate aftermath have been bubbling to the surface with increasing regularity in recent days and the sight of this sole Everton supporter will undoubtedly have struck a chord with anyone who joined similar queues at Anfield two decades ago.

It certainly did that for me as I recalled patiently waiting for the time to come when I would get the opportunity to pay my respects to the Hillsborough dead.

Stood next to me in the queue on that day was an Evertonian. He wasn’t wearing any colours for me to know that but he didn’t need to because he was one of my closest childhood friends who just days earlier had seen his team get through to another Wembley FA Cup Final.

Like all other Blues, his celebrations were curtailed by the tragic events over in Sheffield where so many of their brothers and sisters from this city had seen their lives cut short in such terrible circumstances.

Behind me in the queue was another Everton supporter who had come to pay his respects. In his hands was a half and half scarf from the 1986 all Merseyside FA Cup Final which he wanted to lay down in front of the Kop along with the sea of floral tributes which had been steadily growing ever since Reds chief executive Peter Robinson had taken the decision to open the Anfield gates to give fans a communal place to grieve.

It wasn’t just Everton supporters either, as then manager Colin Harvey recalled this week:

“On the Friday before our first game after Hillsborough, which was away at Spurs, we all went to Anfield to lay a wreath,” he said.

“It was something all the players really wanted to do.”

The tragedy may have befallen Liverpool and its fans but the response of Everton Football Club and its supporters could not have been more impressive.

This was a city united in tragedy in a way which no-one would have wanted but also in a fashion which typified the incredible bonds which can transcend even the most passionate of football rivalries.

The unity of the people of Liverpool was perhaps best symbolized by a mile long chain of Everton and Liverpool scarves which connected Anfield with Goodison, an initiative thought up by two local taxi drivers Tommy Atkinson and Jimmy Plunkett.

Another example of the solidarity came in Liverpool’s first competitive outing following Hillsborough, a Merseyside derby at the home of their great rivals.

As usual there was plenty of red visible on the terraces, particularly just to the left of the Gwladys Street goal where Liverpool supporters had traditionally congregated.

Before the game kicked off, a group of Liverpool supporters paraded a banner around the perimeter of the pitch. The banner carried a simple message: “LFC fans thank EFC fans”.

While in the away end another flag was unfurled which read: “The Kop Thanks You All We Never Walked Alone.”

The applause which greeted these heartfelt gestures underlined the feelings of solidarity which everyone on Merseyside felt in the aftermath of Hillsborough.

This was a tragedy for Liverpool as a city, not just Liverpool the football club, and the outpouring of emotion from all of its citizens no matter what team they supported reflected this.

On Tuesday afternoon, David Moyes followed in the footsteps of his predecessor Harvey by crossing Stanley Park to pay his respects to those who perished in the death trap that was the Leppings Lane terrace.

The Everton manager was rightly applauded as he took his seat on the Kop and the handshake of thanks he received from opposite number Rafa Benitez was clearly heartfelt and genuine.

Over at Goodison, the Everton flag was flown at half mast while the club also commemorated Hillsborough on its own website and by taking out a full page tribute to the 96 victims in the Echo.

Such official gestures were totally in keeping with the way Everton Football Club conducted itself 20 years ago and the homemade blue and white Justice For The 96 banner which a group of Evertonians displayed at Villa Park last Sunday was equally apt.

This weekend of all weekends, it is appropriate that Everton find themselves in another FA Cup semi-final, representing Merseyside’s hopes of having one of our teams grace a Wembley final.

In fact, it is difficult to think of anything more fitting.

[Grinners89]

Itandje Apologizes (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N164063090418-0810.htm) - He is handling it well. He did something stupid, but he is apologizing to the public and he wants to meet with the families privately to apologize as well.

Thats good to hear him come out publicly so quickly. He was probably having a joke/gesture with a few teammates and it was probably blown out of proportion. No worries, its good that he will meet the families as well.

[sportscribe]

Just a guy playfully nudging his teammate while moving to the song. Nothing more.

RIP to the dead though.

[kingb71]

I continue to be amazed at the class shown by some of the other clubs, especially Celtic.

[Andy Bennett]

I continue to be amazed at the class shown by some of the other clubs, especially Celtic.
Well, they were singing it a long time before Hillsborough.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2003/mar/12/theknowledge.sport

Is that what you meant, though? :confused: