Nottingham Forest have honoured the 97 Liverpool fans that were unlawfully killed during the Hillsborough disaster.
Forest and Liverpool go head-to-head in the FA Cup for the first time since that fateful day in 1989, when a crush in the Leppings Lane End of Hillsborough saw 97 spectators die. And in a subsequent inquest 2016, it was determined the supporters were unlawfully killed.
The City Ground is a sell-out for Sunday night’s clash with the exception of the small section, that is covered in a banner which reads ‘97 Never Forgotten’. Liverpool are backed by a travelling contingent of 4,000 supporters for the quarter-final tie, while the home ends are understandably packed out.
Nottinghamshire Police have told fans to enjoy themselves - but have urged those attending to not spoil the day after some incidents of disorder during the win over Leicester. Chief Inspector Neil Williams, told Nottinghamshire Live: “With the two clubs not playing each other in such a long time and with the small matter of a place in the semi finals of the FA Cup at stake, we know that this tie will mean a little bit more to fans.
“Unsurprisingly, tickets for this tie sold out extremely quickly among home supporters, while Liverpool also claimed their full allocation of tickets for the match, so we expect there to be a fantastic atmosphere inside the City Ground.
“While we want everyone who is attending the game to have a great time, it is vital that people don’t allow their emotions to get the better of them and spoil the day for others.
“The entire Lower Bridgford stand has been allocated to house the more than 4,000 away fans who will be in attendance, with measures being taken to ensure the rest of the ground is for Forest fans only. For the safety and enjoyment of all supporters in the ground, it is extremely important that away fans don’t sit in seats outside this allocated area, with Forest confirming that action will be taken against anyone found to have sold tickets to Liverpool fans within the home sections.
“As ever, our officers will be on hand to support fans and both clubs to provide an enjoyable day for everyone in attendance, and we will of course take positive action to keep people safe, should any crime or disorder take place.
“This game is now a complete sell out and no tickets will be available on the day, so please don’t attend the match unless you have a ticket already. I would warn fans against buying tickets online from re-sellers for inflated prices, as they’re often not genuine, while I would also remind potential sellers that ticket touting is an arrestable offence which can lead to a football banning order.”
The game will see Forest look to continue a magical run which has already seen them claim the scalp of Premier League sides Arsenal and Leicester. As for Liverpool, the trip to the East Midlands represents the latest hurdle they need to clear in their bid for an unprecedented treble.
