On Saturday, at Anfield, Liverpool fans offered a heartfelt tribute to Michael Jones, an Everton supporter who tragically lost his life during construction work at Everton's new stadium.

Eternal rivals pay their respects

During the 26th minute of the Liverpool vs. Bournemouth match, fans gathered in the Kop End at Anfield raised an Everton flag. This striking gesture illustrates that, in moments like these, the rivalry between the two clubs can be put aside. The iconic anthem "You'll Never Walk Alone" reverberated throughout the stadium as the entire Anfield crowd rose to honour Michael Jones with applause.

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Earlier that day, Liverpool's manager Jürgen Klopp, the players, and the staff visited the accident site. They laid flowers and paid tribute to the departed Everton fan. This symbolic act from The Reds underscores the profound impact this tragedy has had on the entire football community in Liverpool. The site, intended to symbolize a new era for Everton, has now become a place of mourning. What Does the Club Say?

Construction put on hold

The accident involving Michael Jones, a 26-year-old worker who died during construction, has deeply shaken both the club and the local community. Construction has been temporarily suspended, and the main contractor, Laing O'Rourke, has committed to full cooperation with the investigation and other formal processes. Everton Football Club has expressed sincere condolences to Michael's family and friends, emphasizing that the current priority is to ensure the safety of all workers at the construction site.

The new Everton Stadium, emerging along the banks of the River Mersey in Liverpool, is set for completion at some point during the 2024/25 season. The construction is estimated to carry a price tag of around £500 million. The facility is designed to accommodate nearly 53,000 fans. This investment is poised to redefine the future of a club that has held its home matches at Goodison Park since 1892. The Bramley-Moore Dock location was selected following public consultations involving over 20,000 participants, with 96 percent expressing support for the project.

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