Everton boss Sean Dyche pays touching tribute to Hillsborough victims on 34th anniversary

Sean Dyche has paid a touching tribute to the 97 Liverpool fans that lost their lives in the Hillsborough tragedy on the day of its 34th anniversary.

A 17-year-old Dyche was present at the stadium on April 15, 1989 when the tragedy occurred, having been part of the Nottingham Forest youth team at the time.

And in his programme notes ahead of Everton's Premier League fixture against Fulham on Saturday, the Toffees boss penned a message of remembrance.

He wrote: "Today on the 34th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, we remember the 97 victims who tragically lost their lives in the tragedy.

"I know the importance for everyone at Everton to always stand shoulder to shoulder with Liverpool to remember the innocent supporters who passed away watching the team they loved.

"I was at Hillsborough with Nottingham Forest's youth team on that tragic day and it is difficult to find the words to describe the sadness of what took place.

"Our thoughts continue to be with the families and many friends of all those who were lost. We remember and will never forget."

Klopp praises Arsenal fans for tribute

As the anniversary of the tragedy falls on a weekend where Liverpool are playing an away fixture at Leeds on Monday, last weekend's game between the Reds and Arsenal saw a minute's silence prior to kick-off to remember to the 97 fans that lost their lives.

And Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp praised to the Arsenal fans for the manner of their tribute.

He said: "It was probably the most respectful minute of silence I have ever witnessed.

"There was absolutely no noise apart from a little baby. That you could hear the baby showed how silent it was."

In his programme notes prior to the game, the German also urged other fans to stop chants in relation to the tragedy.

He said: "This needs to stop. Not because I say so or the police say so or whoever - it needs to stop because the people who continue to suffer - including families of those who died and survivors - tell us how much these songs hurt them.

"We should listen to them and act accordingly. There is no room for debate.

"On this and all other matters, the families and survivors have our full support and solidarity."