Liverpool FC unveil new memorial marking the anniversary of the Heysel Stadium disaster

Liverpool FC today unveiled a new memorial at Anfield to mark the 41st anniversary of the Heysel Stadium disaster, and to honour the 39 football supporters who tragically lost their lives on May 29, 1985.

Entitled ‘Forever Bound’, the memorial now stands in a newly designated area of Anfield, located by the Anfield Road Stand, providing a more visible and accessible space for reflection and remembrance. The sculpture, which was first announced at a special event at Anfield back in May last year, replaces the original plaque located on the wall of the Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand.

Designed with care and compassion, ‘Forever Bound’, features two scarves gently knotted together, symbolising the enduring bond between Liverpool FC and Juventus FC, following the tragedy in Brussels.

Credit: Liverpool FC Forever Bound Heysel Disaster Anniversary — Credit: Liverpool FC

Crafted from specially selected materials, including Cararra marble sourced from an Italian quarry, the sculpture also includes the names of all 39 supporters who lost their lives and a moving inscription to reflect the depth of remembrance and respect held by the club, its supporters and the wider football family.

‘Forever Bound’ was created in response to calls from fans to make the memorial more prominent and accessible, and it was developed in close consultation with supporters, in particular Spirit of Shankly, and former players. Plans were also shared with Juventus FC and those involved in the original commemorations to ensure the approach reflected a spirit of unity and shared legacy.

The unveiling ceremony at Anfield today brought together club representatives, former players, fan representatives and invited guests, as well as representatives from Juventus FC, who joined Liverpool FC in Turin last year for the unveiling of Verso Altrove, Juventus’ own new memorial to mark the 40th anniversary in 2025.

Chief Executive Officer of Liverpool FC, Billy Hogan, who attended the Turin commemoration last May, addressed the gathering at Anfield and reflected on the significance of the occasion.

Billy Hogan said:

“It is a privilege to unveil ‘Forever Bound’ today on behalf of everyone at Liverpool Football Club. This memorial is a symbol of shared remembrance, of unity and the bond formed between Liverpool and Juventus.

“We are honoured to welcome our friends from Juventus to Anfield today and we stand together in solidarity and memory of the 39 supporters who tragically lost their lives at Heysel. This is a moment for all of us to pause and reflect and to commit once again to ensuring that their memory lives on.”

Liverpool FC ambassador Ian Rush, who played in the 1985 European Cup final and witnessed the events of that day, added:

“Today is a deeply moving moment. It’s hard to believe over 40 years have passed since Heysel, but the memory of that day never fades.

“This new memorial means a great deal to all of us. The thought and respect that has gone into ‘Forever Bound’ is something I’m incredibly proud of and I hope it brings comfort to those still affected by this tragedy.”

The event closed with a moment of silence and floral wreaths were laid at the base of the memorial by representatives from LFC, Juventus and the city of Liverpool. Attendees were then invited to view the sculpture up close and spend time in quiet reflection.

The unveiling of ‘Forever Bound’ reaffirms Liverpool FC’s commitment to remembering those who lost their lives at Heysel and ensuring that the lessons and legacy of that tragedy continue to be acknowledged with dignity and respect.