Everton and Liverpool fans unite with anti-knife banner after Ava White’s death

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An Everton fan and a Liverpool fan come together to create an anti-knife crime banner in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday in the wake of the death of 12-year-old Ava White.

An eighth grade student at Notre Dame Catholic College at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital was announced dead at 8:39 p.m. Thursday after she was attacked downtown.

Ava’s death has been deeply felt by the astonished Merseyside fans, and Everton season ticket holder Peter MacFarlane is teaming up with his friend Tim Edwards to produce the banner they intend to roll across sections of the house and dimension at the Bulls Road stand. During the match at Goodison Park on December 1, when the eyes of the football world will turn to Liverpool.

Peter told ECHO: “When I heard about Ava, I spoke to Tim to ask him if we could do something to show this solidarity as a city once again between the two groups of fans.

“It is something that has affected the entire city. It is a horrific situation.

“When there are people out there thinking it’s okay to carry and use knives, it’s something that needs to be addressed.

“It’s something both fan teams, and the Shorts in general, want to make a point about and something needs to be done about it.”

He added, “It’s a pointless thing. Unfortunately, that happens a lot.

People talk about tightening the law but it’s also about education.

“Young people need to be shown the real-life impact of what they are doing and the consequences of their actions.

“They can make a decision in a split second that will change their lives forever.

“There has to be a change in mentality.”

Peter used to work with Tim, whose company Fitwell produced several football flags and banners, but he admitted that the knife crime issue transcends any personal loyalties.

He said: “This is something that goes beyond football, it goes beyond it.

READ MORE: Family releases new photos of Ava White as murder investigation continues

READ MORE: Heartbreaking messages from Ava White’s friends as the salute continues

“It’s something the city as a whole feels and you’ll want to stand up to and meet.

“In the Merseyside derby you get two sets of fans. I’m a huge Everton player and Tim is a big red player.

“In terms of football, we will be rivals for 90 minutes but when it comes to something like that, the rivalry goes out the window.

“This city is great to gather and I felt like this was an opportunity to make a statement from both groups of fans and show that we’re not just going to put up with these things.

“We will always follow up on the cause of the people in this city and we will always want to show support as well.

“We all remember that photo of the two kids in Everton and Liverpool shirts at Goodison Park a decade ago and it was a show of solidarity.

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“This is a timely reminder no matter who you support or what shirt you wear in the day, at the end of days we are all pants, and we will always stick to each other.

“We hold on to each other.”

Ava’s family today released new photos of a 12-year-old schoolgirl as the investigation into her murder continues.

Four teenage boys – one 13-year-old, two 14-year-olds and one 15-year-old, all from the Dingle District – remain in custody for questioning.

Tonight, Merseyside Police said: “All roads in Liverpool city center have now reopened since the tragic killing of Ava White on Thursday. Thank you for your support and understanding as this vital investigation has been carried out.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident, may have filmed the incident, or has information that could assist the police in their inquiries, are asked to send a message directly to MerPolCC, or send a message to the Merseyside Police Contact Center on Facebook or CrimestoppersUK at 0800555111 with reference 0899 dated 25 November.

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