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Young Boys fans hold a Hillsborough memorial banner, in memory of the Liverpool football fans that died in the 1989 Hillsborough Stadium disaster, during the UEFA Europa League group A football match between Liverpool and BSC Young Boys at Anfield in Liverpool, north-west England on November 22, 2012.
Sometimes, a little touch can make a massive difference difference. On a day that saw managers unfairly sacked, players sniping at one another and referees trying to shake off unfounded racism allegations, the unveiling of a banner by travelling supporters at Anfield last night went some way to restoring some sort of faith in football humanity.
As the Young Boys fans unraveled the sign, which read ‘In Memory Of Hillsborough’, the Liverpool fans responded with a standing ovation which lasted over two minutes. A spine-tingling moment that lit up the Kop and sent the stadium into raptures, culminating into an all-Anfield chorus of ‘Justice for the 96′.
Such a moment is, sadly, not typical of modern football. It was a touch of pure class, completely unscripted, unexpected and one that typified the support of the side that got their reward for some enterprising football and came away with a vital 2-2 draw.
Earlier in the day, it was announced that the pre-release for Hillsborough charity single ‘He Aint Heavy (He’s My Brother)’ was available for purchase for mobile phone users. Worldwide stars such as Robbie Williams, Paloma Faith and Sir Paul McCartney have lent their talents to the track, which organizers hope will take the UK Christmas number one spot, all the while raising both awareness and vital funds for the forthcoming legal battles for a new inquest into the cause of death of some of the 96 victims.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 22: BSC Young Boys fans show their support during the UEFA Europa League Group A match between Liverpool FC and BSC Young Boys at Anfield on November 22, 2012 in Liverpool, England.
Indeed, the Hillsborough Justice Campaign has had a good week. An e-petition campaign to bring forward the inquest into Kevin Williams’ death that day has reached it’s initial target of 100,000 (104,461 at time of writing), and is rapidly building momentum towards it aim. This comes after Kevin’s mother, Anne, was tragically diagnosed with terminal cancer shortly after ‘Justice Day’. Kevin was only 15 when he died.
Momentum is at a high, and with many quarters of the football and entertainment world circling around the Hillsborough cause, it seems the final battle for the movement is one they can win, and win soon. One more push can see justice finally realized.
As members of the Kop stayed for fifteen minutes last night to applaud the Young Boys support, the feeling was that something amazing is happening around the fields of Anfield Road.
The hope is that it wont take too much longer.
