The new Heysel Memorial is unveiled outside Anfield, Liverpool, on the anniversary of the disaster. Some 39 football fans were killed when a wall collapsed during crowd violence at Heysel Stadium, Brussels
The new Heysel Memorial is unveiled outside Anfield, Liverpool, on the anniversary of the disaster. Some 39 football fans were killed when a wall collapsed during crowd violence at Heysel Stadium, Brussels(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
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The lives of 39 football fans who set out to watch the 1985 European Cup final and never came home have been memorialised at Anfield. The victims of the Heysel Stadium disaster will be forever remembered by Liverpool FC as the club unveiled a new statue in their honour today, 41 years after the tragedy took place.
The deadly crush took place at the Heysel Stadium in Brussels, Belgium, on 29 May 1985, shortly before the European Cup final between Liverpool and Juventus kicked off.
Around one hour before the match was due to begin, the flimsy wire fence separating the two groups gave way, and violence broke out. A number of people, most of them Juventus fans, attempted to escape the brawl, leading to a massive crush against an old concrete wall which eventually collapsed, killing 39 people and injuring 600 others.
Liverpool FC CEO Billy Hogan (left) and Ian Rush (second left) at the unveiling of the new Heysel Memorial outside Anfield, Liverpool, on the anniversary of the disaster
Liverpool FC CEO Billy Hogan (left) and Ian Rush (second left) at the unveiling of the new Heysel Memorial outside Anfield, Liverpool, on the anniversary of the disaster(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
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Of the 39 people killed, 32 were Italian, four Belgian, two French, and one was from Northern Ireland. Despite the tragedy, the match was not cancelled, and Juventus claimed a 1-0 victory over Liverpool.
The disaster was blamed on a number of factors including negligent administration, football hooliganism, mistakes by officials, and structural issues inside the stadium. 14 Liverpool fans were found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to six years' imprisonment, with the Belgian authorities also being blamed, including police captain Johan Mahieu, who had been in charge of security, found guilty of manslaughter.
Marking the anniversary of the tragedy 41 years on, Liverpool FC today unveiled a new memorial. Called ‘Forever Bound’, the memorial stands in a newly designated area of Anfield, located by the Anfield Road Stand, providing a space for reflection and remembrance.
The sculpture, which was first announced at a special event at Anfield in May last year, replaces the original plaque located on the wall of the Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand.
Designed with care and compassion, ‘Forever Bound’, features two scarves gently knotted together, symbolising the bond between Liverpool FC and Juventus FC.
Crafted from specially selected materials, including Cararra marble sourced from an Italian quarry, the sculpture includes the names of all 39 supporters who lost their lives and a moving inscription to reflect the depth of remembrance and respect held by the club.
Liverpool FC CEO Billy Hogan (left) and Ian Rush lay a wreath at the unveiling of the new Heysel Memorial outside Anfield, Liverpool, on the anniversary of the disaster.
Liverpool FC CEO Billy Hogan (left) and Ian Rush lay a wreath at the unveiling of the new Heysel Memorial outside Anfield, Liverpool, on the anniversary of the disaster.(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
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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, Spirit of Shankly, and former players.
Plans were also shared with Juventus FC and those involved in the original commemorations.
LFC chief executive officer Billy Hogan said: “It is a privilege to unveil ‘Forever Bound’ today on behalf of everyone at Liverpool Football Club. This memorial is a symbol of shared remembrance, of unity and the bond formed between Liverpool and Juventus.
“We are honoured to welcome our friends from Juventus to Anfield today and we stand together in solidarity and memory of the 39 supporters who tragically lost their lives at Heysel. This is a moment for all of us to pause and reflect and to commit once again to ensuring that their memory lives on.”
The unveiling ceremony at Anfield today brought together club representatives, former players, fan representatives and invited guests, as well as representatives from Juventus FC. Verso Altrove, Juventus’ own new memorial to the victims of the Heysel Disaster, was unveiled last year.
David Fairclough attends the unveiling of the new Heysel Memorial outside Anfield, Liverpool
David Fairclough attends the unveiling of the new Heysel Memorial outside Anfield, Liverpool(Image: PA Media)
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LFC ambassador Ian Rush, who played in the 1985 European Cup final and witnessed the events of that day, said: “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.
The unveiling of ‘Forever Bound’ reaffirms Liverpool FC’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, a club spokesman said.