Two clubs. One city.
Four words that encapsulate the overwhelming outpouring of grief and support across Liverpool since the tragic death of Michael Jones.
This message of unity has transcended football rivalries bringing the city together to pay tribute to the 26-year-old construction worker.
On Friday, Seah Dyche - alongside club ambassadors Graham Stuart and Ian Snodin - paid their respects to Michael on behalf of Everton Football Club. Each of them placed a bouquet of flowers at Bramley Moore accompanied by a hand-written message.
READ MORE: 'Two clubs one family' as Liverpool FC lay wreath for Michael Jones
In solidarity, Liverpool paid their own tribute as Jurgen Klopp and his team visited the site. The Liverpool manager laid a wreath with the words "Condolences from everyone at Liverpool Football Club. YNWA." The squad then held a moment's silence.
At Anfield, Liverpool fans also paid tribute with a minute's applause in the 26th minute. A single Everton flag on the Kop read “RIP Little Michael. Everton Forever.”
The two clubs, separated by Stanley Park, showed that no matter what team you support or represent, some things are far more important than football.
Michael is someone we can all relate to in some way - a young lad with his life before him. He was helping build the new stadium of the football club he loved but sadly didn't return home.
Hopefully, Michael's family and friends can take some comfort from the outpouring of support and tributes paid right across the city.
This is not the first time football loyalties have been put to one side to unite as a city.
Everton have always stood in solidarity with Liverpool since the 1989 Hillsborough disaster.
In 2012, the club paid tribute to the victims with two mascots holding hands in Everton and Liverpool kits following the Hillsborough Independent Panel’s findings. This was followed by the Justice Collective's charity single "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" being played at Goodison Park. The single was released to raise funds for charities associated with the Hillsborough disaster. Each year Everton marks the anniversary with a tribute to the 97 victims and their families.
Following the murder of Ava White in 2021, a blue and red banner was unveiled at the Merseyside Derby that read “No more knives in our city”.
I remember standing on the Kop in 2007 the night Z-Cars was played at Anfield in memory of Rhys Jones who was killed a week earlier in a horrific shooting that rocked Liverpool. Rhys's parents. Stephen and Melanie, stood at the side of the pitch wearing Everton colours during the emotional moment as Anfield applauded.
Rhys's uncle, Neil Jones, said: “Melanie said playing Johnny Todd at Anfield would be a unique event, a complete one-off, just like Rhys, and a fitting tribute to him as it was his favourite tune.
“She's also pretty sure he'll have a little mischievous grin on his face at the thought of being the cause of it.” It was a fitting tribute.
These are just a few moments in my lifetime that have shown how Liverpool and its people stand as one during a tragedy and we always look out for each other. Togetherness and unity is part of our DNA. History tells you that.
A small number of people took to social media to use the tragic death of Michael Jones as a point-scoring exercise which was condemned by Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram as well as people from the city.
That small minority on social media doesn't represent Liverpool. It's the everyday people who reflect the true spirit of the city, standing united in support showing respect for Michael and his grieving family.
This city has always been united and the following week has shown that to be the case once again. This will never change. There is, of course, a healthy rivalry between Everton and Liverpool and that should never change.
Families and groups of friends are split by the team they support but ultimately we always stand together as one city.
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