A Liverpool fan has paid his own tribute to the 96 supporters who died at Hillsborough – by having all the names tattooed on his back.

Dad-of-two Jason Edwards, 42, of Deighton, is a lifelong Reds fan and says the victims should never be forgotten.

Jason decided to brave the tattooist’s needle at the end of a two-year inquest in which jurors returned verdicts of unlawful killing.

Jason was only 15 at the time of Liverpool’s FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest in April 1989 but said: “It’s a tribute on behalf of all Liverpool fans to the families of the 96.

“So much has been said and written about what happened but we now know the fans weren’t to blame.

Jason Edwards of Deighton, Huddersfield, has all 96 Hillsborough victims tattooed on his back.

“It was a tragedy that should never have happened and those who died must never be forgotten.”

Jason has had the Liverpool club crest inked in red and green in the centre of his back with the names of the 96 down either side.

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Next to the crest are the names of his son Ciaran, 15, and Lily, 13, in Thai symbols with the slogan: “My kids will never walk alone.”

Jason, a former self-employed landscape gardener and handyman, lives with second wife Michelle and stepson Daniel, 12.

Michelle thought Jason was going a step too far with the tattoo but gave her support all the same.

Jason Edwards of Deighton, Huddersfield, has all 96 Hillsborough victims tattooed on his back.

“She thinks I’m a nut,” said Jason.

The tattoo, Jason’s first, took four-and-a-half hours in two sessions and cost £160. It’s still not finished and he intends to add some angels and the words Hillsborough 96.

Jason, whose family originally comes from Liverpool, got his love for the club from mum Jacklynn.

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He doesn’t get to many games but has a big collection of memorabilia including around 60 home and away shirts. His most prized possession is a shirt signed by former striker Fernando Torres.

“The tattoo isn’t a stunt, it’s a genuine tribute,” added Jason. “The Hillsborough disaster ripped the heart out of Liverpool and this is my tribute for the 96 and their families.”

Meanwhile, floral tributes to the Hillsborough victims were left at Liverpool’s Anfield stadium by riders taking part in Huddersfield Town’s recent Pedal for Pounds bike ride.

The 215-mile fundraiser was dubbed The Shankly Tour as the route took in three of the clubs he managed, Carlisle United, Liverpool and Town.

Huddersfield Town floral tribute left at Anfield