Reds and Blues will applaud on 30th minute of derby to mark James Bulger 30th anniversary

Reds and Blues fans are being asked to applaud on the 30^th minute of tonight’s derby match to mark 30 years since James Bulger was taken.

A huge banner in both club colours which has been specially made for the anniversary will also be lifted on the Kop.

It’s three decades since a banner simply saying ‘RIP James’ was held up by supporters at Anfield back in 1993.

Now Denise and Stuart Fergus are planning to repeat and update the tribute in his memory.

Stuart says James’ mum Denise has always been grateful for the love and support that the family has been shown by everyone in Liverpool, regardless of any football rivalries.

“Denise has said from day one, since it first happened, that the whole city came together for her, Everton and Liverpool supporters,” he says.

“That’s one of the reasons why, in our charity badge, we have incorporated the colours of both teams.

“30 years feels like the blink of an eye, it’s gone over that quickly, but we’d really like everyone in the ground to join in applause for James on the 30 minute and mark the 30^th anniversary since he was tragically taken.”

Although the original Kop banner was in black and white, this new version has been created in colour by Liver Print to show the unity of fans on a tragedy that touches everyone.

“It’s half red and half blue, with the crests of both clubs and a photo of James’ face at both ends,” adds Stuart. “We were thinking about having a banner in the away section as well but the original was on the Kop so this will stand alongside all the other flags, scarves and banners, and the way we’ve designed it includes both sets of supporters.”

Between February 12^th and 14^th is always a very emotional time for Denise and her family and one which they spend privately remembering James.

“Going back to when it happened, the 13^th was like a limbo day because Denise was sitting there waiting, not knowing if he was going to be found.

“For most people, it’s the date when they’re thinking about Valentine’s Day, when they’ll be having a meal with a loved one, or sending flowers to their other half. But Valentine’s Day was the day James was found so for us it’s a time where we go to the cemetery and then spend it with the family.

“At tonight’s match, we support Liverpool so we’re hoping they can do the business on the pitch, but we also hope that all the supporters from both teams can do the business off it on the 30^th minute for James.”

For more info about the James Bulger Memorial Trust here.