Trevor Hicks, the former chairman of the Hillsborough Family Support Group, used his final address at the Hillsborough memorial service to appeal to Manchester United and Liverpool supporters to respect the disasters that have befallen their north-west rivals.

An estimated 22,000 people gathered at Anfield on Friday for the 27th anniversary service in memory of the 96 Liverpool fans who died at the 1989 FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest. Jürgen Klopp was joined by the entire playing staff and past Liverpool managers including Kenny Dalglish, who gave the second reading, Brendan Rodgers, Roy Hodgson and Roy Evans.

The service was the last to be held at Anfield and Hicks, whose daughters Sarah and Victoria died in the disaster, issued an appeal for Hillsborough and the Munich air tragedy to be treated with greater respect by rival fans. Chants mocking both disasters were heard at the recent Europa League meetings between United and Liverpool and both clubs have been charged with a variety of offences by Uefa, albeit not in relation to Munich or Hillsborough taunts.

“Sometimes fans let their side down,” said Hicks. “It has been fantastic when we have reached across Stanley Park for support and everyone will have the image in mind of the little girl and boy in red and blue kits with 96 on the back. I would like to reach out along the M62 to another great north-west city.

“Fans can be passionate rivals but I don’t think anyone should abuse the other side’s disasters. One of my favourite players was Bobby Charlton. He could kick one of those old leather balls harder than Jimmy Case but not as well as King Kenny. I always respect Munich and other fans. We have always been rivals on the pitch but we should be united in grief.”