Everton and Liverpool have one of the more unique rivalries in football. While action on the pitch can be hotly contested, and the interactions between the respective fan bases can be fierce, there is also a special connection between them both.
The Hillsborough disaster of 1989 changed the lives of so many people, particularly those from Liverpool, and that affected both fans of Everton and Liverpool alike.
All these years later, Everton fans still stand hand-in-hand with their Red counterparts to honour the 96, and that mutual respect shows how special both club’s are, rivalry aside.
Playing at Hillsborough against Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night, the Everton faithful revealed a banner that read: ‘Two Clubs One City’, supported by a now iconic image of an Everton and Liverpool fan celebrating the memory of the 96 together.
Several Liverpool supporters took to Twitter to show their appreciation for the actions of their Merseyside neighbours.
Twitter: @ForeverEverton0 This is absolutely boss. There will always be a rivalry but some things are bigger than football (@SamODonnell20)
Twitter: @ForeverEverton0 Whoever made this is one genuine football fan, with true love for his/her city.
#Respect (@Doolan9)
Twitter: @ForeverEverton0 Class. Rivals, yes. Enemies – never. One City. Scouse and Proud. (@LFCHistoryShow)
Twitter: @ForeverEverton0 Quality that lads
(@cjluck84)
Twitter: @ForeverEverton0 Some things are bigger than football (@BigmanOlsticks)
Twitter: @ForeverEverton0 Love fans like that football doesn’t always have t make people hate each other
(@irishdaddyx2)
Twitter: @ForeverEverton0 Quality lads, something’s are bigger than rivalries. YNWA (@BenRylattWest)
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It almost goes without saying but this is wonderful to see. The Merseyside Derby is so unlike any other, and while other fans may claim to prefer blind hatred over their rivals, I love the respect that both sets of fans have in the Merseyside Derby.
On the pitch is one thing, off it is another, especially in the face of a historical tragedy. Respect to all those involved in creating the banner, and for the love Liverpool fans have shown those responsible.
