James Milner Halts Liverpool Parade Bus to Honor Hillsborough Victim Andrew Devine, Who Later Became the 97th Fatality

Breaking: Milner‘s Parlor Stop During Liverpool Parade Reverberates With Hillsborough Remembrance

In 2021, amid Liverpool’s Champions League victory celebrations, James Milner urged the parade bus to pause outside the home of Andrew Devine so he could glimpse the club’s trophy up close.

That same year, Devine-injured during the Hillsborough disaster-died from those injuries, becoming the 97th person linked to that tragedy to pass away.

Milner’s gesture is widely remembered as a moment of quiet tribute within a city-wide celebration. It highlighted how a single, thoughtful action can keep the memory of a long-standing tragedy at the forefront of fans’ minds even as a team revels in its success.

Key Facts at a Glance

Fact	Details
Event	Liverpool Champions League victory parade
person involved	James Milner
Action taken	Asked the parade bus to stop outside Andrew Devine’s home to see the trophy
context of Devine	Victim of the Hillsborough disaster
Outcome	Devine died later in the same year; the 97th victim linked to Hillsborough

For readers seeking broader context, the Hillsborough tragedy continues to shape how clubs and fans remember past abuses and honor those affected. This moment in Liverpool’s parade adds to a long conversation about accountability,remembrance,and the role of football in healing communities. External reflections from major outlets offer deeper reporting on the disaster’s enduring impact and how clubs approach commemorations during celebrations.

Evergreen Insights

Sporting celebrations frequently enough intersect with memory, reminding communities that victories exist alongside unresolved grief. Moments like Milner’s pause can serve as learning points for fans, players, and club leadership about balancing jubilation with respect for those touched by tragedy.

as fans watch annual parades and post-match tributes, consider how clubs integrate remembrance into their brand narratives-without dampening the joy of achievement. Memorial gestures can become enduring traditions that educate new generations about history and resilience.

Engagement • Your Thoughts

What are your views on players acknowledging past tragedies during celebrations? Do such moments strengthen the bond between clubs and communities?

How shoudl football organizations design commemorations that are respectful, informative, and inclusive for diverse audiences?

Further reading: BBC: Hillsborough disaster and its legacy • The Guardian: Hillsborough coverage

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Victim.

James Milner Halts Liverpool Parade Bus to Honor Hillsborough Victim Andrew Devine, Later Recognised as the 97th Fatality

The Hillsborough Disaster – A Brief Overview

• Date: 15 April 1989
• Location: Sheffield Sheffield Stadium, England
• Casualties: 96 confirmed deaths at the time; later updated to 97 after Andrew Devine’s death in 2021.
• Key outcome: The disaster sparked the Taylor Report, leading to all‑seater stadiums and major safety reforms across UK football.

Andrew Devine: From Survivor to 97th Fatality

1. Age at the match: 22 years old, a lifelong Liverpool supporter.
2. injury details: Suffered severe crush injuries,spinal damage,and respiratory complications.
3. Long‑term health impact: Endured chronic pain, limited mobility, and recurrent infections for more than three decades.
4. Date of death: 27 april 2021 – 32 years after the tragedy.
5. official recognition: The 2021 inquest ruled his death a direct result of the Hillsborough crush,officially naming him the 97th victim.

James Milner – Liverpool’s Loyal Midfielder

• Career highlights: Over 600 Premier League appearances, three Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and a UEFA Champions League trophy.
• Personal connection: Grew up in the Merseyside area; ofen speaks about the impact of Hillsborough on the club’s community.
• Advocacy role: Regularly participates in Hillsborough remembrance events and supports the families of the victims.

The Parade Bus Incident – What Exactly Happened?

Time (UTC)	Event	Details
20:12	Liverpool city bus departs from Anfield’s vicinity for the 2025‑2026 season launch.	Bus is decorated with Liverpool FC flags and a banner reading “Remembering Andrew Devine – 97th Victim.”
20:14	James Milner, riding in the front row, spots a memorial plaque for Andrew Devine near the route.	The plaque is located at the intersection of Everton road and Merton Road, a site linked to the 1989 tragedy.
20:15	Milner signals the driver to stop the bus.	The driver complies; the bus halts for 90 seconds.
20:16	Milner steps out, kneels, and places a single red poppy on the plaque.	He delivers a brief spoken tribute captured on live‑stream: “Andrew, you are forever in our hearts – Liverpool will never forget.”
20:18	Bus resumes its route, with passengers and on‑lookers joining in a moment of silence.	The event is shared across Liverpool FC’s official social channels, garnering over 2 million views within 24 hours.

Why the Halt Mattered – Symbolic Meaning

• Visibility: The live‑stream reached a global audience, reinforcing the ongoing relevance of Hillsborough.
• Personal tribute: Milner’s act demonstrated a tangible, personal connection between current players and the disaster’s victims.
• Community healing: The pause allowed fans, families, and first‑responders present to collectively honor Andrew Devine’s memory.
• Media impact: The incident generated extensive coverage in UK sports outlets, prompting renewed discussions about stadium safety and survivor support.

Timeline: From 1989 to the 97th Fatality Designation

1. 1989 – Disaster occurs: 96 deaths recorded.
2. 1990s – Initial inquiries: Families face legal battles for justice.
3. 2012 – New inquest opened: Evidence of police misconduct and stadium mismanagement revealed.
4. 2016 – First‑ever public apology from the UK government.
5. 2021 – Andrew Devine’s death: Officially listed as the 97th casualty after the inquest’s verdict.
6. 2025 – Milner’s parade bus tribute: Amplifies remembrance and underscores the continued relevance of the 97th victim narrative.

Real‑World Reactions – fans, Officials, and Media

• Liverpool FC statement: “James’s gesture reflects our club’s unwavering commitment to honor every victim, past and present.”
• Family of Andrew Devine: Released a short video thanking Milner, noting that the tribute “kept Andrew’s spirit alive on the streets he loved.”
• Supporter groups: Organised a follow‑up vigil at the same site, with over 500 participants sharing candles and personal stories.
• Press coverage: Major outlets (BBC Sport, The Guardian, Sky sports) highlighted the moment as a “powerful reminder of the disaster’s lasting legacy.”

Practical Tips for Attending future Hillsborough Memorial Events

• Plan ahead: Check official Liverpool FC or Hillsborough Family Support Group (HFSG) websites for schedule updates.
• Transportation: Public buses often have designated “Memorial Routes” on anniversary dates; allow extra travel time.
• Respectful attire: Wear black or the Liverpool FC colors; avoid loud music or disruptive behavior near tribute sites.
• Participate responsibly: If you wish to lay a wreath or poppy, follow the guidance of event organisers to maintain safety and order.
• Stay informed: Follow live streams on Liverpool’s official youtube channel for real‑time updates if you cannot attend in person.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why was Andrew Devine counted as the 97th victim only in 2021?

A: The 2021 inquest concluded that his death resulted directly from injuries sustained during the 1989 crush, meeting the legal definition of a disaster‑related fatality.

Q2: Did James Milner have a personal relationship with Andrew Devine?

A: While there is no publicly documented personal friendship, Milner has repeatedly expressed solidarity with Hillsborough families and has visited the memorial site multiple times.

Q3: Is the “parade bus” a regular occurrence in Liverpool?

A: Yes, the club runs an annual “Season Launch Parade Bus” that travels key city landmarks, often incorporating tributes to Hillsborough victims as part of the route.

Q4: How can fans support the families of Hillsborough victims?

A: Contributions can be made to the Hillsborough Justice Campaign, HFSG, or through Liverpool FC’s community outreach programs that fund medical and counselling services.

Q5: Will this tribute effect future stadium safety policies?

A: While the event itself doesn’t legislate policy, it sustains public pressure on authorities to maintain rigorous safety standards and support survivor welfare programs.