Liverpool have stood firmly alongside the families who were affected by the Hillsborough disaster, with Kenny Dalglish and Brendan Rodgers amongst many at the football club to give their support to those who have suffered for the last 23 years.

Dalglish had a massive presence in the aftermath of the tragedy itself, attending many funerals of the victims, and Reds' fans have not forgotten just how he brought together the city during such a difficult time.

Back then, it would have seemed like the Liverpudlians were against a booming majority, blaming their ticketless and drunk fans for causing the disaster, but now, finally, the families have been proven correct in their assertions that the supporters were merely victims of gross negligence and a massive cover-up thereafter.

And as they were finally exonerated after 23 years too long yesterday, Dalglish said he couldn't be more pleased with the findings telling the real truth.

"It's been a really rewarding day for them and also reward for the way in which they have conducted themselves in a dignified and respectful manner," he told the Liverpool Echo. "It's also a huge reward for the people who have supported them.

"Most of the outcome was as you would have thought in terms of the fans' innocence - and the way they were more helpful than hurtful.

"From that point of view, on everything they were fighting for they were proved to be correct, which is fantastic recognition for them.

"But I think it went a wee bit further than they expected, including in announcing there were 41 people who potentially could have benefited from assistance.

Kenny Dalglish
Kenny Dalglish has been alongside the Hillsborough families every step of the way in their fight for justice. Reuters

"That would be the hurtful one for the families. It is further condemnation of the disorganisation on the day.

"People knew what happened that day - but I think the findings went further than was probably anticipated."

Rodgers also added his sentiment, saying the way the families have conducted themselves is an inspiration for Liverpool football club.

"It's so inspirational," he explained. "I met Margaret Aspinall and Jenni Hicks a couple of weeks back, when I came into the club, and I was just torn by their stories of their children and how they had obviously lost their lives.

"You couldn't really begin to imagine what they have gone through as families. Today was the start of the process for them in terms of getting some sort of justice, they are halfway there and they will go on and fight the next stage.

"After the last 23 years, today has been worth it for them."

And Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher added: "As players, managers, staff and as a club, we've always got to be trying to support the families, the 96, and anything they need.

"I'm sure there have been people at the club in the past - players and ex-managers - who have tried to do as much as they can in terms of giving donations or helping the families in different ways.

"The club have always got to be something to lean on for the families and the victims of what happened."