LIVERPOOL chief executive Billy Hogan stressed the importance of remembering the victims of the Heysel disaster as the club unveiled a new memorial to the 39 victims on the 41st anniversary of the tragedy today.

Representatives of Serie A club Juventus were present to see the new “Forever Bound” sculpture, which features two scarves knotted together and includes the names of all those who died at the 1985 European Cup final between the two clubs in Belgium, when a wall collapsed inside the stadium after rival fans clashed.

“It is with a deep sense of respect that we stand together to reflect, remember and reaffirm our commitment to those we sadly lost that day,” said Hogan.

“We know that remembrance matters and it is important for us as a club, our staff, our fans and the wider football community that we ensure Heysel is not forgotten.

“There is a tremendous amount of respect for Juventus football club, as an institution and a club, and there is a very strong relationship between the two clubs.

“We are grateful to everyone who played a part in bringing us to today’s unveiling.

“It’s a beautiful memorial which provides our fans and fans of other clubs with a place to come and show their respect and remember those lives that were lost, and to ensure that something like that never happens again.”

Wreaths were laid by Hogan and Rush, and for Juventus by chief business officer Peter Silverstone and former player Sergio Brio, along with a number of Liverpool civic dignitaries before a moment of silence was observed.