United in respect: Liverpool's old rivals in Manchester share Hillsborough tribute
Liverpool's biggest rivals, Manchester United, shared a touching tribute to the 96 Hillsborough victims on the 25th anniversary of the tragedy.
United posted an image on Twitter featuring two figures dressed in each club's kit, standing on a podium emblazoned with the word 'respect', shaking hands under the banner 'United.'
United released the following message to accompany the image: 'Today we stand side-by-side with Liverpool FC to remember the 96 fans who lost their lives at Hillsborough on 15 April 1989.'
Standing together: Old rivals Manchester United shared this tribute to the victims via Twitter
British Prime Minister David Cameron joined the chorus of tributes to the Hillsborough victims ahead of a memorial service on Tuesday.
Cameron said on Twitter: 'On the 25th anniversary of Hillsborough, my thoughts are with the families of the 96, the survivors & all those affected by the tragedy.'
UEFA President Michel Platini said that the whole of European football was standing behind Liverpool as they remembered their fallen supporters.
'The thoughts of UEFA and the European football family remain with the families of those who lost their lives in this tragedy, 25 years ago,' said Platini.
Liverpool's players will be in attendance as Anfield hosts the annual memorial service.
Tuesday marks the 25th anniversary of when 96 Liverpool supporters were killed at the Reds' FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest in Sheffield.
The whole Liverpool squad will be present along with directors, other staff and a number of former players and managers.
Current manager Brendan Rodgers will give a reading, as will Everton boss Roberto Martinez.
Remembered: Former Liverpool striker posted this image with the names of all 96 Hillsborough victims
It is an emotional week for Liverpool, and a number of tributes were also held prior to Sunday's game against Manchester City.
Captain Steven Gerrard, whose 10-year-old cousin Jon-Paul Gilhooley was the youngest of the 96 victims, was in tears after his side's 3-2 win over one of their main title rivals.
Gerrard said: 'The reason I was so emotional was because of when this game fell.
'It wasn't just because it was a big match in our season, it was because this week is always about more than football for everyone associated with Liverpool. It's emotional for so many people.
Respect: Tributes were paid to the victims of Hillsborough at Anfield on Sunday
'I'm speaking on behalf of everyone when I say the win was dedicated to the victims and families of Hillsborough.
'All the squad will be present at the service to pay our respects as we should.'
During the service, the number '96' will be laid out on the pitch in large figures made up of scarves donated by fans of all clubs and from various sporting institutions.
Kenny Dalglish, manager at the time of the disaster, assisted in this initiative by writing to all 92 League clubs as well as the English, Northern Irish, Scottish and Welsh national teams for support.
The inspiration for the idea came from the 'mile of scarves' formed between Anfield and Goodison Park a week after the disaster in commemoration in 1989. More than 4,000 scarves were tied together.
The scarves will be donated to local good causes, including homeless charities, after the service by the Liverpool FC Foundation.
Next week, a celebration of the lives of the 96 victims is planned with a charity match in support of the Hillsborough Family Support Group.
A team of UK and Irish Liverpool legends, managed by Dalglish, will take on a side of international Reds greats, under the charge of Gerard Houllier.
The commemorations come a fortnight after fresh inquests into the deaths of the 96 victims opened in Warrington.
Liverpool hero: Kenny Dalglish will manage a UK and Irish legends side in a charity match next week
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