Nottingham Forest fans unveil banner in away end at Liverpool in honour of Hillsborough victims

Nottingham Forest supporters unveiled a banner after six minutes of their match against Liverpool at Anfield as they look to help put an end to tragedy chanting.

The 30ft banner was held aloft by the travelling support early in the first half of the Premier League match between the two sides, as Forest fans sent a strong message of respect for the 97 victims of the Hillsborough disaster and solidarity with survivors.

Abuse from the stands aimed at Reds fans has increased this season, with chants making reference to the 1989 tragedy. But today was a different story.

Liverpool supporters inside Anfield stood to applause the efforts from the travelling fans.

The banner read ‘Respect the 97’ with Forest’s club badge in one corner and number 97 along with Hillsborough eternal flames in the other. Further wording read: ‘Solidarity with Survivors. No to Tragedy Chanting’.

The idea has been orchestrated by a group of fans, originating from the City Ground, under the Twitter account @NoHateChants.

In response, Liverpool’s official account sent a message of thanks – and added another when the banner was unveiled inside the ground: “Thank you for your continued support, @NFFC. Our thoughts as always are with all those affected by the tragedy at Hillsborough. We must all keep working together to put an end to tragedy chanting.”

Original article published 22.04.2023 on the BBC Sport website.

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