Liverpool fans were left fuming before a ball was even kicked in Sunday’s Premier League fixture at the City Ground, as Nottingham Forest supporters engaged in what many described as a highly provocative and disrespectful act ahead of kickoff on February 22, 2026.
The incident unfolded in the moments leading up to the 2:00 PM GMT start, with footage quickly spreading across social media showing a section of Forest fans in the home end displaying banners, chanting, or gestures that directly referenced the Hillsborough disaster—the 1989 tragedy where 97 Liverpool supporters lost their lives during an FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough Stadium. While exact details of the pre-match provocation varied in reports (some citing renewed tragedy-related chanting despite ongoing sensitivities, others pointing to mocking displays tied to historical rivalry), Liverpool supporters viewed it as crossing a clear line of respect.
The act instantly ignited outrage online, with Reds fans labeling it “disgraceful,” “unnecessary,” and “provocative,” arguing it set a toxic tone for the match atmosphere from the outset. Posts flooded platforms with phrases like “How is this still allowed?” and “Disrespect to the 97—crosses every line 😡.” Many questioned why such behavior persists in the modern game, especially given the long-standing efforts by both clubs and authorities to foster reconciliation—highlighted by past gestures like Forest’s 30ft “no tragedy chanting” banner at Anfield in 2023.
Nottingham Forest issued a pre-season reminder via official channels warning supporters against tragedy chanting inside the City Ground, with potential bans for those identified. However, the pre-kickoff nature of this incident—occurring in the stands or concourses before players emerged—sparked debate over enforcement and whether it breached club or league guidelines on hate speech, provocation, or conduct likely to incite.
The match itself delivered high drama: Liverpool secured a dramatic injury-time win thanks to Alexis Mac Allister’s winner, after an earlier goal was controversially ruled out by VAR for handball. But for many Liverpool fans, the pre-match provocation overshadowed the result, turning what should have been a celebration of a hard-fought three points into a reminder of lingering tensions between the two sets of supporters.
Rival fans weighed in too, with some neutrals calling for stricter measures against historical sensitivities, while others defended it as “banter gone too far.” Liverpool’s official channels and fan groups have yet to comment formally, but the backlash has amplified calls for the Premier League and clubs to address fan conduct more rigorously—especially in fixtures with deep historical context like this one.
As the dust settles on a pulsating game, the pre-kickoff controversy ensures this City Ground clash will be remembered for more than just the scoreline. Respect in football remains a hot-button issue, and today’s events have reignited the conversation.
