Bobby Charlton (left) and Ian Rush pose for photographers with 96 red roses in memory of the Hillsborough disaster before the English Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield in Liverpool, northern England, yesterday. The fixture is Liverpool’s first at home since a report into the 1989 Hillsborough disaster cleared their fans of any blame for the crush that left 96 dead at the FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.
LONDON: Ferocity, intensity and a moving tribute to the 96 fans killed in the Hillsborough disaster made yesterday’s north-west derby between Liverpool and Manchester United a “good day for football”, United manager Alex Ferguson said.
The recent Hillsborough findings detailing a police cover-up added another level of intensity to the latest installment of the country’s fiercest rivalry with fans and players from both clubs under an unprecedented spotlight.
An emotional day passed off without any incidents as United sealed a rather fortunate three points with Robin van Persie’s late penalty clinched a 2-1 victory.
United great Bobby Charlton also presented Liverpool great Ian Rush with 96 red roses while the football fans of each team held up white and red boards spelling out the words Truth and Justice.REUTERS
