Now a group of fans want to put such bitter rivalry in the past. They will gather at Anfield for a service, conducted by the Everton club chaplain Reverend Harry Rossat, 12.15pm on Saturday.
"Memorials are for remembering people," said a spokesman. "Respect should be shown to those who are no longer with us, and consideration shown to their families.
"If people stoop to vandalising memorials, they are not only letting themselves down, but also letting down their club because it reflects badly on them."
"Arguments between Evertonians and Liverpudlians are part and parcel of Merseyside life and will continue.
"But throwing paint on memorials only brings shame on the club that the culprits purport to support. It must stop."
"Perhaps some younger supporters don't realise how the followers of the two clubs rallied together in 1989."
"It was a devastating time but Evertonians stood by Liverpool fans in the weeks after, sharing the grief."
Is it time to end the bitter exchanges?