Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson writes to ask fans to 'stand with our great neighbours Liverpool'

Sir Alex Ferguson has written to Manchester United supporters calling for them to ‘stand with our great neighbours Liverpool’ and ‘pay tribute to their campaign for justice’ during Sunday’s Premier League clash at Anfield.


Sunday’s fixture is the first to be staged at Anfield since documents relating to the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, released last week, exonerated Liverpool fans of any involvement in the deaths of 96 fellow supporters prior to the FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.
Long-standing tensions between the supporters of Liverpool and United have led to concerns that this weekend’s could be marred by new outbreaks of hostility, particularly the airing of unsavoury chants about Hillsborough or the 1958 Munich disaster, which cost the live of eight United players.
But in a letter to United fans due to be distributed at the turnstiles at Anfield on Sunday, Ferguson has urged the club’s supporters to be respectful of the home club’s determination to honour those lost at Hillsborough.
Senior figures from Anfield and Old Trafford have met this week in an effort to defuse tensions before the game.
And Ferguson’s letter, issued with the support of Liverpool, is one key gesture aimed at reminding United’s fans of their responsibilities, a week after the home game against Wigan was overshadowed by anti-Liverpool chants.

Ferguson writes:

Dear Supporter,

The great support you gave the team here last season has seen our allocation back up to near-full levels. I want you to continue that progress today.

But today is about much more than not blocking gangways. Today is about thinking hard about what makes United the best club in the world.

Our rivalry with Liverpool is based on a determination to come out on top – a wish to see us crowned the best against a team that held that honour for so long.

It cannot and should never be based on personal hatred. Just ten days ago, we heard the terrible, damning truth about the deaths of 96 fans who went to watch their team try and reach the FA Cup final and never came back.

What happened to them should wake the conscience of everyone connected with the game.

Our great club stands with our great neighbours Liverpool today to remember that loss and pay tribute to their campaign for justice. I know I can count on you to stand with us in the best traditions of the best fans in the game.

- Telegraph.co.uk