Liverpool FC Pays Respects on 40th Anniversary of Heysel Stadium Disaster
Today, Liverpool Football Club marks the 40th anniversary of the devastating Heysel Stadium disaster, which occurred before the European Cup final between Liverpool and Juventus in Belgium on May 29, 1985. The tragedy resulted in the deaths of 39 people and left hundreds more injured in Block Z of the stadium.
As reported by Liverpool FC’s official website, the club’s thoughts are with everyone affected by the disaster at Heysel. To pay their respects, LFC CEO Billy Hogan and ambassador Ian Rush will attend the unveiling of the ‘Verso Altrove’ sculpture in Turin, after being invited by Juventus to join their 40th anniversary service.
The ‘Verso Altrove’ sculpture, designed by renowned artist Luca Vitone, is set in a 2,000-square-metre green space near the Allianz Stadium. The memorial features Ginko Biloba trees, lavender bushes, and a 65-metre spiral platform rising over three metres, with a neon light along its path, making it visible even in darkness. According to Liverpool FC, this event is a poignant reminder of the tragedy that occurred 40 years ago.
In addition to attending the unveiling of the ‘Verso Altrove’ sculpture, Liverpool FC has also announced the installation of a newly designed Heysel memorial – ‘Forever Bound’ – at Anfield to mark the 40th anniversary. As stated on Liverpool FC’s website, out of respect for Juventus’ commemorations, ‘Forever Bound’ will be officially unveiled at Anfield later this summer.
The new memorial will replace the existing plaque on the wall of the Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand and will be relocated to a more visible and accessible area of the stadium, offering a dedicated space for reflection and remembrance. The final location is currently being decided in consultation with key stakeholders, with further details to be confirmed. This morning, LFC’s chief legal and external affairs officer, Jonathan Bamber, and former player John Aldridge laid a floral wreath at the current Heysel memorial plaque at Anfield, as reported by Liverpool FC.
Liverpool FC has a long history of paying respects to those affected by the Heysel Stadium disaster. As noted on Liverpool FC’s official website, the club’s commitment to remembering the victims and their families is evident in their continued efforts to honour their memory. The unveiling of the ‘Verso Altrove’ sculpture and the installation of the ‘Forever Bound’ memorial are just two examples of the club’s dedication to this cause.
In a statement, Liverpool FC said: "Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the disaster at Heysel." The club’s actions serve as a testament to their respect and admiration for those who lost their lives in the tragedy. As the 40th anniversary of the Heysel Stadium disaster is marked, Liverpool FC continues to pay its respects to the victims and their families.
