Skip to main content
Donate to the 95 years appeal
We may be bitter rivals come matchday, but outside the stadium we share a common enemy
Prompted by ugly scenes at Anfield last week, JAMES NALTON writes on the importance of football fans showing solidarity with one another
Graffiti pictured in the concourse of the away end at Anfield, which references the Hillsborough and Heysel disasters. Justice for the (JFT) 97 is a slogan referring to the 97 Liverpool fans who died due to police action at Hillsborough stadium in 1989. JFT 39 appropriates this to the deaths of the 39 people who died in the 1985 Heysel Stadium disaster in Italy, after which 14 Liverpool fans as well as several top officials and a police captain were convicted of manslaughter – unlike with Hillsborough

LAST Sunday’s meeting between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield was a thrilling game of football between two of the best sets of players in the world.

But instead of being a game celebrated for its frenetic, high-quality play, the fallout focused on unsavoury incidents away from the sport of football itself.

The afternoon featured a number of flashpoints, from Jurgen Klopp bellowing in the ear of the referee’s assistant, for which he was duly and deservedly shown a red card, to Liverpool fans throwing £2.50 worth of coins at Pep Guardiola as he egged them on from the touchline in true pantomime fashion.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Liverpool fans set off flares outside the stadium ahead of the Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool, April 27, 2025
Men’s football / 30 May 2025
30 May 2025

As Liverpool lifted the title and Everton said goodbye to Goodison, Merseyside’s unity shone through in the face of tragedy, writes JAMES NALTON

Liverpool fans celebrate victory in the Premier League outside Anfield, Liverpool, April 26, 2025
Men’s football / 2 May 2025
2 May 2025

JAMES NALTON writes on how the title win has sparked long-awaited celebrations among fans after a triumph four years — and one pandemic — in the making

Manchester City fans hold a banner in protest of ticket rese
Men’s football / 18 April 2025
18 April 2025

A new front in the fight for football’s soul is emerging — one rooted in trade union values and collective power