Club will observe minute's silence before kick-off against Spurs
ALBION will observe a minute’s silence before kick-off against Tottenham on Saturday in honour of those who lost their lives as a result of the Hillsborough disaster 25 years ago this month.
The Baggies’ home game with Spurs will also kick-off at 3.07pm as a mark of respect, with all other Premier League, Football League, Football Conference and FA Cup matches taking place this weekend starting seven
minutes later than originally scheduled.
The match at which the disaster took place, The FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest on April 15, 1989, was ended six minutes after kick-off, at 3.06pm.
And former Everton striker Victor Anichebe, who felt the impact of the tragedy growing up on Merseyside, believes this weekend’s actions are a fitting tribute.
“It’s a really nice touch,” said Anichebe.
“Obviously, I grew up in Liverpool and what happened was such a sad thing, such a tragedy.
“It is still in the forefront of people’s minds and the fact the Premier League are paying their respects is obviously important.
“Last season at Everton, we had a minute’s silence before the derby game and there were children wearing kits from both the Merseyside clubs.
“It was a really nice thing to see and it was very emotional.
“It brought the two sides of Liverpool completely together. Everyone was as one.
“There is a great rivalry between the two teams but there’s a lot of love, too.
“That was great for the city and it was a nice touch from Everton.”
Anichebe added: “The city is buzzing now and I’m really happy for them.
“Everton are doing really well and Liverpool are doing amazingly well, too, so that in itself is a great tribute to those who lost their lives in the Hillsborough disaster.
“Everyone was effected by what happened, both blue and red, and it’s fitting that both sets of supporters have something to cheer about at the moment.
“You couldn’t write a better script for this weekend than the two teams to be flying high together.
“Hopefully, they can both kick on together and make the city proud."