Everton tribute moves Reds' chief

Liverpool's managing director Ian Ayre has heaped praise on Everton for a moving tribute to the victims of the Hillsborough disaster.

The Reds' neighbours put rivalry aside last night, as they drew 2-2 with Newcastle, to remember the lives of the 96 people who tragically died during the FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest in 1989.
Everton came out before the kick-off led by two mascots - one wearing the Toffees' blue kit and other sporting the colours of Liverpool - who then stood side by side to display a 9 and a 6 on the back of their shirts, in a gesture to recognise the City's loss.
Even the Toffees' ball boys during the match wore tracksuits with the number 96 on the back, while a minute's applause was observed in tandem with a fitting big screen montage accompanied by The Hollies' classic 'He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother.'
In another act of solidarity after an emotional week for Liverpool, Margaret Aspinall and Trevor Hicks from the Hillsborough Families Support Group were in attendance as guests of the Everton chairman Bill Kenwright.
Ayre told the Liverpool Echo: "I would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to all the staff and fans at Everton Football Club from everyone at Liverpool for the display of support you have shown the Hillsborough families.
"We've always been great rivals on the pitch but off it, the two clubs have always supported each other. In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, Everton Football Club was there for us and that solidarity was on display again last week when the Hillsborough Independent Panel's findings were revealed.
"At times like this, football rivalries take a back seat - something that makes this city unique and I think supporters of both clubs can be immensely proud of the way they have conducted themselves over the past days, weeks and years since the tragedy."