The Black Cats host Liverpool in the Barclays Premier League in the evening kick-off, at the end of a week during which a damning independent report into the tragedy was published.

Sunderland chief executive Margaret Byrne said: "We recognise and respect the significance of this week for fans and our friends and colleagues at Liverpool Football Club.

"The Hillsborough tragedy had a profound effect on football as a whole and the thoughts of everyone at Sunderland are with all of those affected by the tragic events of April 15, 1989."