Hillsborough: 30 Years on From English Football's Darkest Day

April 15 will always remain one of the most sombre days in English football. On this day in 1989, 96 Liverpool fans went to enjoy an FA Cup semi-final tie with Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough, but tragically never made it home.
Liverpool and Chelsea conducted an impeccable minute of silence ahead of their game on Sunday as a tribute to those who lost their lives, and special mosaics were held aloft to show that English football has not forgotten those who lost their lives.
30 years ago today, 96 children, women and men lost their lives at Hillsborough.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 14, 2019
Our thoughts are with all those affected by the tragedy and the 96 fans who will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/gD8pinxbxN
Even before the game, fans of both teams flocked to the memorial at Anfield to leave flowers and pay their respects. Players from both Liverpool and Chelsea wore black armbands throughout the game.
The entire city of Liverpool will fall silent as 15:06 - the time of the disaster 30 years ago - as a mark of respect for the 96 lost lives.
On behalf of Chelsea, club directors laid a wreath at the Hillsborough memorial a short time ago, paying respects ahead of the 30th anniversary of one of the most dreadful days in the history of football. pic.twitter.com/fnMwcT95g9
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 14, 2019
Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson said: "The 96 have never been forgotten and even though this city is divided by our footballing allegiances, we have been united in supporting the families and Hillsborough survivors for the past 30 years, and will continue to do so."
However, as former Chelsea star Pat Nevin was quick to remind, more than 96 lives were irreparably damaged on that day. Many survivors still struggle to come to terms with the mental and physical wounds of the incident.
Anfield remembered the 96 on the eve of the 30th Hillsborough anniversary. pic.twitter.com/WyT3JLC0mJ
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 14, 2019
Those who died may dominate the headlines, but the world of football came together in solidarity for each and every victim of the tragic events.
The Reds marked the occasion with an impressive 2-0 victory, which sees them jump ahead of Manchester City in the Premier League table, and fans are desperate to see their 29-year wait for a league title come to an end.
