Tree planted to remember the 39

A TREE-PLANTING ceremony took place to remember the 39 victims of the Heysel football disaster, 25 years on.

The Italian honorary consul joined the leader of Liverpool city council to pay homage to those who died at the 1985 European Cup Final between Juventus and Liverpool FC.

The tree - a white beam - was planted at St John's Gardens behind St George's Hall, as part of a series of events to remember the victims.

Among those who witnessed the ceremony were the new Walton MP, Steve Rotheram, and Liverpool councillor Peter Millea, who were both present at Heysel as the tragedy unfolded.

Cllr Millea said: "I remember being in the stand and watching people spilling over the edge and being crushed in the manner they were.

"It's something I'll never forget.

"I always acknowledge it was one of those shameful episodes in the past involving Liverpool supporters.

"But UEFA must also bear their share of the responsibility because of the inadequate and insensitive arrangements made at the stadium.

"If there had been proper segregation and fencing at the time and better management, it could have been prevented."

He added: "Events like this tree-planting ceremony help with the spirit of reconciliation between Liverpool and Juventus fans."

Mr Rotheram said: "Heysel is a terrible stain on Liverpool's recent history. We have offered the hand of friendship to Italian fans, but it's for them to decide when it's right to accept it. The football stadium was not fit for purpose, especially for a game of this magnitude."

The Heysel tragedy unfolded when trouble erupted between Juventus and Liverpool fans more than an hour before the match began on Heysel stadium's Y and Z sections - which was meant to have been a neutral zone.

During the fighting, a group of Italian supporters ran towards a terrace wall which collapsed.

Cllr Joe Anderson, at his first official function since becoming Liverpool council leader, said: "I hope this gives some comfort to the Italian people and to the families of the fans who lost their lives.

"We want to show that we still have feelings for them and still care for them."

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.