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Italy, Belgium to honour victims of the 1985 Heysel Stadium disaster

The referee in Friday's friendly between Belgium and Italy will pause the match in the 39th minute in honour of the 39 victims of the 1985 Heysel Stadium disaster.

The name of each person that died will be read out one by one before play resumes, as both sides commemorate one of football's worst stadium disasters in the year of its 30th anniversary.

On May 29, 1985, 39 fans died during Juventus' and Liverpool's European Cup final after running battles between groups of supporters caused panic and led to fans being crushed against a collapsing wall. The majority of those killed were Italian.

Liverpool's supporters were apportioned much of the blame although police chiefs and local authorities were also found guilty following an inquiry after the disaster, which also led to a five-year ban for English clubs in European competition.

The move comes as part of a number of initiatives to be held this week.

On Thursday, the Italy squad, Italian federation (FIGC) president Carlo Tavecchio, representatives from Juventus and members of an association representing families of the victims will hold a ceremony at the Z section of the stadium which played host to the drama.

As part of the ceremony, the Azzurri will 'retire' the number 39 shirt -- meaning the number 39 can no longer be chosen by any player in the national team.

On the day of the match itself the commemorations will continue before and also during the game.