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Liverpool have explained why a Hillsborough banner on the Kop was covered up in a broadcast on the club’s TV channel.

The Reds, who have apologised for any offence caused, insist the image was “edited with the best of intentions” but admit it was “an error in judgement” and have vowed to correct it.

There was an angry response from supporters on Monday after the change was spotted on the backdrop to an interview with former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor at the club’s Kirkby Academy.

Liverpool fan Richie Greaves’ original banner read: “We told you they lied. Don’t Buy The Scum. Justice for the 96.” However, the words were airbrushed out in the photograph with the club crest superimposed on a red background instead.

(Image: Photo by James Maloney)

The ECHO understands that the giant image of the Kop has been on display at the Academy since it was refurbished in 2014.

The designer at the time made the decision that the use of the word ‘scum’ wasn’t appropriate to be seen by the club’s youngsters and made the change. It was brought to the club’s attention on Monday after a backlash from fans on social media.

A Liverpool FC spokesman told the ECHO: “The image was edited with the best of intentions but it was an error in judgement. It will be changed and we apologise if it has offended any supporters.”