Why Everton and Liverpool fans will applaud on 12 minutes of Merseyside derby

Both Everton and Liverpool supporters will applaud in the 12th minute of the Merseyside derby tonight in honour of Ava White.

Ava was out with friends in the city centre last Thursday, November 25, when she was stabbed shortly after the Christmas lights switch on.

Tributes to the 12-year-old have poured in and supporters of both clubs will honour her this evening with an applause at Goodison Park.

Fans have also made a joint banner that will be displayed stating: 'No more knives in our city'.

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Everton boss Rafa Benitez wrote a touching tribute to Ava in his programme notes and praised the city's unity after the Women's Hospital attack last month.

"The strength and solidarity of the people in our city was underlined, once more, in the united response to the disturbing and senseless incident at Liverpool Women's Hospital last month," he said.

"It is incomprehensible these things can happen and I was shocked and angry when I saw the news. But I was proud of the way our people came together to show there is so much good in the world - and those who want to cause fear and division will never win.

"The people at the hospital do amazing jobs, truly heroic in a lot of instances, and they have our utmost support.

"The thoughts and prayers of everybody at Everton are with the family and friends of Ava White after she was killed in the city last week.

"It is a tragic and senseless loss of such a young life and so sad."

Liverpool supporters also applauded in the 12th minute of their win over Southampton at the weekend, in memory of Ava.

The two clubs will unite this evening with the same gesture to show their support to the family.