West Brom pay tribute to Hillsborough victims ahead of Liverpool game

Image: Rickie Lambert and Darren Fletcher of West Brom carry a floral tribute to remember the 96 victims of the Hillsborough disaster

West Bromwich Albion saluted the courage and tenacity of the Hillsborough victims' families on Sunday afternoon.

Albion paid their tribute before their final Premier League game of the season against Liverpool at The Hawthorns.

The club had waited for the visit of the Reds to show their solidarity following the verdicts on April 26 which found the 96 victims of the 1989 tragedy were unlawfully killed.

West Brom replaced 96 blue seats in the visiting fans' section in the Smethwick End with the red of Liverpool, each of which remained unoccupied and carried a name of one of the victims.

Image: 96 blue seats were replaced with red ones in the away end at The Hawthorns for the visit of Liverpool to West Brom

The club also produced a video which was played shortly before the match kicked off.

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Baggies captain Darren Fletcher and Liverpool-born striker Rickie Lambert also placed a floral tribute in front of the Liverpool fans following the introduction of the teams.

Lambert said ahead of the game: "It's a classy gesture - and one which I know the Liverpool supporters will appreciate.

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"I get very emotional talking about Hillsborough and there might even be a few tears when I see the red shirts and the fans because I know what the people of Liverpool have been through."

Image: West Brom and Liverpool have been competing against each other for 122 years

Albion chairman Jeremy Peace wrote in the match programme: "Albion and Liverpool have a rivalry which dates back to 1894 since when we have contested nearly 150 games. 

"For a few moments on Sunday we will be as one and remember the context Hillsborough makes of our daily struggles."