More than 3,200 scarves submitted by sports fans around the world were arranged to pay a special and memorable tribute to the 96 at the Hillsborough memorial service at Anfield on Tuesday.

Thousands of people joined club staff, first-team stars and former players and managers at the Reds' home ground to remember the men, women and children who lost their lives at the tragedy 25 years ago today.

In addition to the Band of Life art sculpture positioned in front of the Kop, which features a light for each of the 96 supporters who died on April 15, 1989, a unique show of global unity was organised to commemorate the occasion.

In the weeks leading up to the 25th anniversary, Liverpool FC welcomed contributions from individuals and institutions of scarves - from any sport, not just football - to be laid out in the shape of the number '96' on the day of the service.

People were also encouraged to include a personal note on their chosen item, as a further sign of support for the Hillsborough families as they remember their lost loved ones a quarter of a century on.

Hundreds and thousands of donations were delivered to the club's city centre offices from every corner of the globe, including notable gestures by followers of German side Borussia Monchengladbach and numerous MPs.

The entire collection was subsequently laid out on the pitch at Anfield today as a fitting accompaniment to the reflections, speeches and marks of respect undertaken during the memorial service.

Club chairman Tom Werner, who attended the service in L4, made a poignant contribution too, personally laying a scarf of the Boston Red Sox - the baseball team also owned by Fenway Sports Group - among the tribute.