LONDON – Steven Gerrard has dedicated Liverpool’s crucial win against title rivals Manchester City to the victims and families of the Hillsborough disaster.
Gerrard’s 10-year-old cousin, Jon-Paul Gilhooley, was the youngest of the 96 Liverpool supporters who died because of crushing on the terraces at the 1989 FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest in Sheffield.
Yesterday was the 25th anniversary of the tragedy and Anfield will host the annual memorial service, which all of Liverpool’s squad will attend.
And it was the proximity of that date, plus the significance of the 3-2 victory that left Liverpool close to winning the title for the first time in 24 years, which saw Reds captain Gerrard brought to tears at the final whistle against City on Monday.
“The reason I was so emotional was because of when this game fell,” Gerrard said.
“It wasn’t just because it was a big match in our season, it was because this week is always about more than football for everyone associated with Liverpool. It’s emotional for so many people.
“I’m speaking on behalf of everyone when I say the win was dedicated to the victims and families of Hillsborough.
“All the squad will be present at the service to pay our respects as we should.”
The service yesterday was attended by Liverpool’s directors and other staff members as well as a number of former players and managers.
