Mansfield Town have planned a poignant tribute to the 96 fans who lost their lives during the Hillsborough disaster ahead of their FA Cup third-round tie with Liverpool this afternoon.
Cards bearing the name of each of the 96 fans will be placed on the seats separating the two sets of supporters at Field Mill.
"We wanted to do something in light of what has happened this year in terms of Hillsborough and as it's been so long since the two sides met," said Mansfield's operations director, Paul Broughton.
"One of our fans suggested we place a name on each of the empty seats in the segregation section of the stadium. The idea sent shivers down my spine. It was an amazing idea."
The gesture has received backing from the Hillsborough Family Support Group, who believe that it sums up the country's opinion on the tragedy following the revelations of last year's report.
"I felt moved when I heard that Mansfield had planned this tribute," said HFSG chair Margaret Aspinall.
"To me, it sums up where we are at, in terms of how everyone around the country is starting to realise what we have known for a long time about Hillsborough.
"It will be a lovely gesture and I think it's entirely appropriate for us going forward in our fight for justice. It means a great deal and I would like to thank Mansfield on behalf of the HFSG for what will be a beautiful gesture to the 96."
Liverpool performed well in last season's FA Cup, making it all the way to the final before losing to Chelsea.
Barney Corkhill
