Carragher: Everton Clash Has 'Extra Significance'

When Everton make the short trip across Stanley Park to Anfield later this month to take on city rivals Liverpool in the FA Cup fourth round, memories of more than just local pride will be mournfully rekindled.

The two clubs met in the FA Cup final of 1989, and events that led up to that game cast a grim shadow over English football to this day. Although Liverpool won a dramatic final, beating the Toffees 3-2, the real story of that season had occurred in Sheffield the previous month.

During Liverpool's semi-final with Nottingham Forest at Sheffield Wednesday's Hillsborough Stadium 96 supporters were killed in a terrace crush that represents probably English football's biggest tragedy.

Events that day led to the Taylor Report, to all-seater stadia, to stands without fences, indeed, to the Premier League itself, but what was more important in 1989 was that Liverpool won the Cup for the fans who'd died. That they beat the other great club from their city in doing so just made it more appropriate.

As we approach the 20th anniversary of that dark day, both clubs are aware of the significance of today's draw. Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher summed up what this year's competition really means to the Reds players.

"Hillsborough is something we are all obviously aware of," Carragher said.

"Extra significance will be attached to the competition for us. Going on to win it would be the perfect tribute to those who died."

The Liverpool FC badge now features flames at its sides as a memorial to those supporters who lost their lives at Hillsborough.

--Zack Wilson, Goal.com