Rhys Jones: 4 Years ago today, the whole of Goodison lost a friend

On this day, 22nd August 2007, 11 year old Rhys Jones was gunned down in the car park of the Fir Tree pub in Croxteth. Rhys never deserved to be killed, all he was doing was walking home from football practice. He was an innocent victim of gang culture and gun crime which has plagued the streets of Liverpool, and indeed of the entire country.

Thankfully, in this instance, the person responsible was found and is now serving punishment for his crimes, but that will provide scant consolation for Rhys’ family, dad Stephen, mum Mel and older brother Owen. Rhys’ family should be commended for their bravery and their integrity in their attempts to bring their son’s killer to justice.

The city of Liverpool put footballing allegiances to one side in mourning of Rhys, with Liverpool F.C. paying respects to him by playing Z-Cars, our song, at Anfield before their Champions League qualifier against Toulouse. For all the stick we give to Liverpool F.C. they should also be commended for what was a huge guesture to the young bluenose who we sadly and unjustly lost on this day 4 years ago.

Just like we did 4 years ago, today we will also put footballing matters and allegiences to one side. For as famed as our rivalry is, Everton and Liverpool fans alike are united today in rememberance of Rhys, and united against gang culture and gun crime on the streets of Liverpool.  Im sure Rhys is up in the heavens, helping Dixie coach god to head the ball. Sleep tight little one.

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