Sean Dyche has paid a touching tribute to the 97 Liverpool fans who lost their lives in the Hillsborough tragedy on the day of its 34th anniversary.
Everton and Fulham are due to observe a minute’s silence at Goodison Park before kick-off at 3pm this afternoon, while both sets of players will also wear black armbands as a mark of respect.
Dyche, a 17-year-old at the time, was present at Hillsborough on April 15, 1989 when the tragedy occurred, having been part of the Nottingham Forest youth team.
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And writing in his programme notes, Dyche paid tribute to the 97 and stressed the importance of Everton 'standing shoulder to shoulder' with Liverpool.
He wrote: "Today on the 34th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, we remember the 97 victims who tragically lost their lives in the tragedy.
"I know the importance for everyone at Everton to always stand shoulder to shoulder with Liverpool to remember the innocent supporters who passed away watching the team they loved.
"I was at Hillsborough with Nottingham Forest's youth team on that tragic day and it is difficult to find the words to describe the sadness of what took place.
"Our thoughts continue to be with the families and many friends of all those who were lost. We remember and will never forget."
