Fans welcome La Viola tribute

A group of Liverpool fans known as 'The Irregulars' would like to pay a special thanks to the Fiorentina supporters who made a touching tribute to the 96 prior to kick-off in last weeks' defeat in Italy.

With both sides all-set for the clash at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, a handful of La Viola followers made their way to the visiting section of the ground to present the travelling Kop with a flag that read: 'In loving memory of 96 heroes. Don't forget Hillsborough.' It was signed friends of Florence.

The gesture was met by shouts of gratitude from the Reds fans and 'The Irregulars' were delighted to accept the flag on behalf of all the club's supporters.

"As the teams were lining up for kick off, we noticed to our right that Fiorentina fans were trying to attract our attention by waving a banner in our direction," explained Mally, a die-hard member of 'The Irregulars' who rarely misses a game.

"We beckoned across to them, and the stewards allowed them to bring the flag to the dividing perspex partition. The Fiorentina fans threw the flag over to us. They then threw across white roses for what we took as an act of friendship.

"Both myself (Mally) and Bekky unfurled the flag and lay it on the seats closest to the pitch. It was quite an emotional gesture of goodwill and friendship, which all the Liverpool Fans appreciated. A quite wonderful gesture from wonderful fans."

The Irregulars now hope to present the flag to the Hillsborough Justice Campaign as a token of friendship and solidarity from the fans of Fiorentina.