Former Liverpool stars and Juventus officials pay their respects at the new memorial at Anfield.
Liverpool FC has unveiled a new memorial at Anfield to mark the 41st anniversary of the Heysel Stadium disaster - honouring the 39 football supporters who lost their lives.
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.
The stone sculpture now stands in a newly designated area of Anfield, located by the Anfield Road Stand, providing a more visible and accessible space for reflection and remembrance of the disaster which happened on 29 May 1985.
The memorial, which was first announced at a special event at Anfield back in May 2025, replaces the original plaque located on the wall of the Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand.
“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 Liverpool Chief Executive Billy Hogan as he stressed the importance of remembering the victims.
“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.
“Let’s continue to work forward, forever bound, in a mutual respect and a shared grief.”
The sculpture has been crafted from specially selected materials, including Cararra marble sourced from an Italian quarry and includes the names of all 39 supporters who lost their lives and a moving inscription.
It was created in response to calls from fans to make the memorial more prominent and accessible, and it was developed in close consultation with supporters, in particular Spirit of Shankly, and former players.
Plans were also shared with Juventus FC and those involved in the original commemorations to ensure the approach reflected a spirit of unity and shared legacy.
Liverpool ambassador Ian Rush, who played in the 1985 European Cup final and witnessed the events of that day, added: “Today is a deeply moving moment.
"It’s hard to believe over 40 years have passed since Heysel, but the memory of that day never fades.
“This new memorial means a great deal to all of us. The thought and respect that has gone into ‘Forever Bound’ is something I’m incredibly proud of and I hope it brings comfort to those still affected by this tragedy.”
The event closed with a moment of silence and floral wreaths were laid at the base of the memorial by representatives from LFC, Juventus and the city of Liverpool. Attendees were then invited to view the sculpture up close and spend time in quiet reflection.
LFC says the unveiling of ‘Forever Bound’ reaffirms Liverpool’s commitment to remembering those who lost their lives at Heysel and ensuring that the lessons and legacy of that tragedy continue to be acknowledged with dignity and respect.