Arsenal to hold minute's silence ahead of Everton clash in tribute to Boston victims

A one-minute silence will be held before tonight’s Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton to mark the Boston Marathon bombings and 24th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.

The tribute had already been pencilled in to honour the 96 lives lost at Hillsborough but the moment will now be extended to mark the tragic events in Boston yesterday where at least three people were killed.

Both sets of players will also wear black armbands as will referee Neil Swarbrick and his officials.



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Tribute: Arsenal and Everton will hold a minute's silence before their Premier League clash on Tuesday night

More than 140 people were injured after two blasts ripped through the spectator area near the finish line of the Boston Marathon yesterday.

There has been no immediate claim of responsibility as reports emerged later that one of the dead was an eight-year-old boy and the youngest of the injured is believed to be three years old.

A number of people caught up in the blast remain in a critical condition. The injuries ranged from cuts and bruises to amputations.



Many victims suffered lower leg injuries and shrapnel wounds. Some suffered ruptured eardrums.

Blasts: Explosions ripped through the spectator area near the finish line at the Boston Marathon

The twin blasts at the race took place almost simultaneously and about 100 metres apart, knocking runners and spectators off their feet, shattering windows and sending smoke rising over the street. The devices found were believed to contain ball bearings.



About two hours after the winners crossed the finish line in the heart of central Boston, there was a loud explosion on the north side of Boylston Street, just before the photo bridge that marks the line.



Another explosion could be heard a few seconds later.

American sports stars stood shoulder to shoulder on Monday as the NBA, NHL and MLB paid tribute to the victims of the bombings.

Tribute: Baseball's St Louis Cardinals line up to pay their respects before facing the Pittsburgh Pirates

Remembered: San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors had a minute's silence in Oakland

The minute's silence at the Emirates will also remember those who died at Hillsborough 24 years ago.

Liverpool — with help from Everton — yesterday paid an emotional tribute to the 96 souls who went to an FA Cup semi-final but never came home, at the first service to be held since the truth about the appalling cover-up was exposed last September.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers sat next to his Everton counterpart David Moyes on The Kop. John W Henry, Liverpool’s principal owner, gave a reading and a short message, as did Everton chairman Bill Kenwright.



Never forgotten: Three-year-old Liverpool fan Millie Morris leaves her tribute to the Hillsborough victims



