Sheffield Wednesday pay their respects on the 31st anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster

The ongoing coronavirus crisis meant that the annual memorial service held at the club has not been possible, but Wednesday released a statement of condolence.

Flowers and football scarves from a number of clubs were laid at the Parkside Road memorial site outside the stadium throughout the day as people paid their respects.

The final memorial service organised by the Hillsborough Family Support Group, was due to take place at Anfield but was also postponed.

A statement released by the club on Wednesday morning, read: “This Wednesday, 15 April, marks the 31st anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster in which 96 men, women and children lost their lives attending the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.

“Given the current COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent government guidelines, the annual memorial service held at the club will sadly not take place this year.

“However, anyone wishing to lay flowers or pay their respects at the memorial site adjacent to the South Stand bridge on Parkside Road is more than welcome to do so, with the guidelines in mind.

“Everyone at Sheffield Wednesday FC, from chairman Dejphon Chansiri, manager Garry Monk, the players, supporters and every staff member, would like to express ongoing sympathies to the families and friends of the 96 and the wider Liverpool community affected so deeply by the events of 1989.”