Hillsborough, 15th April 1989 - 20 years on.

I was only 12 years-old, when the live 1989 FA Cup match on RTM was unexpectedly cut short. I had no idea what was going on but managed to catch a glimpse of the crowds struggling and spilling out of the stand on to the pitch at Hillsborough.

20 years later and after reading numerous heroic, sad and tragic stories of the victims and survivors, I still can't understand why it had to happen. It's just plain senseless and tragic to go home in a body bag when a football fan should be happily enjoying the footballing occasion and go home with his fellow mates and fans to celebrate the beautiful game with a pint or two.

I kid you not, when i say that i could have easily been among those who had perished, had i live and grown up in Liverpool and attended the match. My passion for Liverpool is unquestionable and i would have paid an arm and a leg, just to watch my beloved club play - anytime and anywhere.

Every year, come April 15th, i'll pay my own little tribute to the 96. This year is no different. I'll be having my own moment of silence to reflect on the tragic event and pray that justice will be serve to them and their love ones. To me, they are more then just a fellow Red, but an extended family. It's painful to acknowledge that they are someone's father, mother, grandad, brother, sister, nephew, cousin and dear friend. Their senseless lost has left a lasting impression on the very fabric of the club, the fans and the city of Liverpool.

Supporting LFC will never be the same for again all of us. We have left little pieces of ourselves literally on the Hilsborough Memorial and the bond between club and fans will never be broken. 96 of our fellow Reds paid for this special bond with their lives - a debt that none of us or the club will ever be able pay back. We must NEVER EVER forget this. Hence, we must also not give up the struggle to give the dignity and justice back to the victims, their families and fans who have been wrongfully and blatantly blame for this tragic tragedy. Let's all pray and hope that this senseless tragedy will never be repeated again at any football stadium.

Head over to the LFC's official website tribute to put faces to the names of the victims - Hillsborough Remembered - 20 years on

Never Forgive, Never Forget. You'll Never Walk Alone & Justice For The 96.

A Sombre & Mourning Kopite,
JonC