Liverpool supporters erupted in anger before kickoff in Sunday’s Premier League encounter at the City Ground on February 22, 2026, after a large banner unfurled by Nottingham Forest fans in the home end was deemed highly provocative and disrespectful.
The banner, visible during pre-match build-up and captured on broadcast cameras and fan phones, referenced the historical rivalry tied to the Hillsborough disaster—the 1989 tragedy where 97 Liverpool fans lost their lives in a crush during an FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest. While exact wording varied slightly in viral clips and descriptions (some reports citing mocking or inflammatory phrasing alluding to the event or past tragedy chanting), Liverpool fans widely condemned it as crossing into unacceptable territory—insensitive to the memory of the 97 victims and their families.
Social media ignited almost immediately, with Reds supporters flooding platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram with outrage: “Disrespectful doesn’t even cover it—how is this allowed? 😡,” “Provocative banner before a ball is kicked—sets the wrong tone entirely,” and “This isn’t banter; it’s crossing every line of decency.” Many questioned enforcement of stadium conduct rules, especially given ongoing efforts by both clubs to promote respect and condemn tragedy-related chanting. Forest had previously displayed positive banners (like the “Respect the 97 – No to Tragedy Chanting” one at Anfield in 2023, which earned applause), making this incident feel like a stark contrast to recent reconciliatory gestures.
The pre-match provocation quickly overshadowed the game’s build-up, turning what should have been a standard fixture preview into a heated debate about fan behavior, historical sensitivities, and why such displays persist despite warnings and FA guidelines on offensive or abusive conduct. Neutral observers and some rival fans echoed the sentiment, calling for stricter measures from stewards or the Premier League to prevent escalation in atmospheres already charged by rivalry.
On the pitch, Liverpool ultimately secured a dramatic late win with Alexis Mac Allister’s stoppage-time strike after an earlier goal was controversially disallowed by VAR. But for many traveling Reds and those watching from afar, the banner left a sour taste—reinforcing calls for better education and accountability around tragedy chanting and provocative displays.
Nottingham Forest have not issued an official response yet, though the club has historically reminded supporters against such behavior. The incident has amplified broader conversations about fan conduct in English football, especially in fixtures with deep historical scars. As one viral post put it: “Football should unite, not divide over pain like this.”
