Ahead of their meeting with England on Tuesday, Germany under-21’s paid their respects to the 97 at the Hillsborough memorial in Sheffield.
Images posted on their official social media channels show the young side placing a commemorative Union Jack wreath and a bouquet of flowers by the memorial as a mark of respect.
With their clash against England taking place at Bramall Lane, the home of Sheffield United, Antonio Di Salvo’s side took the opportunity to visit the Hillsborough memorial earlier in the day.
After laying the wreath, the players had a photo by the memorial, in what was was a valuable opportunity for them to learn about the horrifying events of the tragedy, as well as the ongoing fight for justice for the 97 supporters who lost their lives.
?? IN MEMORY OF THE 97 ??
Vor ihrem Länderspiel am Dienstag gegen England hat unsere #U21-Nationalmannschaft heute das Hillsborough Memorial in Sheffield besucht und der Opfer der Hillsborough-Katastrophe von 1989 gedacht.
YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE. pic.twitter.com/94Ilssuldo
— DFB-Junioren (@DFB_Junioren) September 25, 2022
The official Twitter account of Germany’s youth teams shared the images along with the messages “IN MEMORY OF THE 97” and “YOU’LL NEVER WALK ALONE.”
Harvey Elliott featured in the friendly later that evening, with fellow Liverpool midfielder Tyler Morton an unused substitute.
England secured a 3-1 victory thanks to goals from Arsenal‘s Folarin Balogun, Chelsea‘s Conor Gallagher and Man City‘s Cole Palmer.
Last year, after Andrew Devine died 32 years after the disaster, the number of supporters recognised as being unlawfully killed at Hillsborough rose to to 97.
It’s a day that will never be forgotten, and it’s nice to see the Germany coaching staff recognising the importance of detailing the horrifying events to their young players, while taking a moment to pay their respects.
A touch of class.
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