Clubs put focus on friendship

By Simon Hart in Liverpool

When Anfield falls silent tonight to remember the 39 people who lost their lives in the Heysel stadium, the Kop will have something to say. The fans at that end will hold up cards creating a mosaic of red and white and black, featuring a Liver bird and one simple word: Amicizia, the Italian for friendship.

Hand of friendship
The first meeting of Juventus FC and Liverpool FC since the tragedy at Heysel 20 years ago offers an opportunity here on Merseyside for supporters to extend a warm hand of friendship to the visiting Italians and the Kop's message will not be the only one.

Neal to carry banner
Before kick-off, Liverpool's captain in 1985, Phil Neal, will help carry a banner with the logo 'In Memoria e Amicizia' (In Memory and Friendship) from the Kop to the Juventus end. On it are written the Christian names of the 39 Heysel victims together with the two clubs' respective motifs of Liver bird and zebra.

Apology
This logo, first seen at Anfield to mark Heysel's tenth anniversary in May 1995, will also adorn the back page of the match programme. Visiting fans will receive an additional programme in Italian with a message from Ian Rush, who played for both clubs in the 1980s, and, on the back, an apology: "We are sorry. You'll never walk alone." They will also be given wristbands in red, white and black with the inscription 'Amicizia/Friendship'.

'Good relations'
A commemorative Liverpool/Juventus scarf was already hanging on Anfield's Shankly Gates yesterday and Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez said: "I think the club has done all it can to ensure a good atmosphere. Their supporters and our supporters feel the same in wanting good relations for the future."

Friendship match
Fans from the two clubs will do their bit to strengthen the relationship when they play a Friendship match at Liverpool's academy this afternoon. Then, from the first whistle tonight, it will be left to the players. Juventus striker Alessandro Del Piero recalled yesterday how his father sent him outside to play football rather than have him watch the scenes being broadcast from Heysel on the night of 29 May 1985.

Close the chapter
Del Piero then spoke for many when he said: "I hope we can close this chapter, this terrible memory, by playing a great football match. More than any normal game I hope it's a special football occasion."