LFC attends unveiling of new Heysel memorial in Turin
Liverpool FC chief executive officer Billy Hogan and ambassador Ian Rush today attended the unveiling of a new memorial in Turin, Italy dedicated to the victims of the Heysel Stadium tragedy.
The club was invited to join Juventus at a commemorative service to mark the 40th anniversary of the disaster, which occurred on May 29, 1985.
The memorial – ‘Verso Altrove’ – was officially inaugurated at the Continassa complex, home to Juventus’ headquarters and training centre, near the Allianz Stadium.
Designed by renowned Italian artist Luca Vitone, the memorial is intended as a place of reflection, remembrance and hope. Set within a 2,000-square-metre area, the space features Ginkgo Biloba trees and a 66-metre-long ascending spiral pathway that guides visitors on a contemplative journey.
Curated by respected art critic Luca Beatrice, whose vision was to create a space that honoured the past while looking towards the future, at its summit an inverted telescope invites visitors to look beyond the visible – a symbolic gesture encouraging reflection and remembrance.
Liverpool FC continues to stand in unity and solidarity with Juventus in remembering the 39 football fans who lost their lives at Heysel. Today’s ceremony is part of an ongoing commitment by both clubs to honour the victims and ensure the tragedy is never forgotten.
This event follows LFC’s recent announcement of a newly designed Heysel memorial – ‘Forever Bound’ – which will be installed at Anfield to mark the 40th anniversary.
Out of respect for Juventus’ commemorations today, ‘Forever Bound’ will be officially unveiled later this summer. Its location is currently being decided in consultation with key stakeholders, with further details to be confirmed in due course.
Earlier today, the club’s chief legal and external affairs officer, Jonathan Bamber, and former player John Aldridge laid floral wreaths at the current Heysel memorial plaque at Anfield. In further tribute, flags across club sites are being flown at half-mast throughout the day in remembrance.
Hogan said: “It was an honour to attend today’s memorial service in Turin. We are thankful to Juventus for the invitation to attend and to remember together, with respect and solidarity, those who lost their lives at Heysel 40 years ago today.”