The number have big symbols
The number symbolizes the number of victims. In August 2021, their number increased: Andrew Devine passed away, who suffered for more than thirty years after injuries received in a stampede at Hillsborough (we briefly recall: on April 15, 1989, 96 Liverpool fans did not return from a trip to Sheffield to the FA Cup semi-finals). Devine was given a moment of silence before Liverpool’s home game against Burnley, and for the first time fans posted a mosaic depicting the number 97. “Andrew was an incredible person, battling injuries for 32 years that were expected to end his life much sooner. Knowing that people are still suffering because of Hillsborough is heartbreaking, but all we can do is experience everything together,” Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson said at the time. The players were familiar with Andrew Devine. He attended the training base and home matches of his favorite team. Andrew died of aspiration pneumonia, a brain injury from oxygen deprivation and injuries at Hillsborough Stadium. The family was told that Devine would not survive such injuries, at best, he would last six months. All this time, Andrew moved in a wheelchair and needed constant care. In 2019, Liverpool won the Champions League. Then, during the team’s parade through the streets of the city, James Milner even asked the bus driver to stop near Andrew’s house to show him the trophy.
Liverpool’s yellow kit this season – with an important reference
In September 2021, Liverpool presented their third kit for the 2021/22 season – in yellow with a red checkered pattern on the sleeves and collar. Designers from Nike included several important references at once . One of them is just in time for a terrible tragedy. On the back of the collar, the number 96 was depicted, surrounded by torches. Andrew Devine passed away about a month before the release of the form – they did not have time to fix the design, now “97” may appear in the new season.