HOUSTON – Steven Gerrard approached Friday’s clash with the Houston Dynamo with a heavy heart and his mind on soccer both in the United States and in his hometown of Liverpool.
Friday marked the 27th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster which claimed 96 lives including a cousin of the Galaxy midfielder at a game between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest in Sheffield, England in 1989. In Liverpool, the club held their final services for those who were lost in the tragedy, and in Houston, Gerrard paid his respects.
The 35-year-old midfielder wore the captain’s armband during Friday’s 4-1 Galaxy win and donned a special black band to honor those back home.
“It was a very emotional night for me tonight with the Hillsborough memorial back home,” Gerrard said. “I asked the referee if I could wear an armband to salute everyone back home and pay my respects. It was emotional night tonight, and that’s why the three points are extra special.”
