Everton had been acutely aware of the importance of sensitivity given the events in Ukraine. Vitaliy Mykolenko was named on the bench for the home side, while fellow Ukraine international Oleksandr Zinchenko was also among the Manchester City substitutes.
The sirens from Z Cars, traditionally played as the teams emerge from the tunnel at Goodison Park were absent. Instead, there was a Hollies song: He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother. Defiant applause rang out from all four corners of this famous old ground.
The Everton players were draped in Ukraine flags as the two teams lined up. Manchester City opted for shirts displaying the flag, while the video screens at Goodison had a message: 'Ukraine stay strong'. There were tears from Zinchenko, the emotions overwhelming.
This is a desperate situation, far more important than football, and it can be difficult for clubs - indeed, all of us - to know how to handle it. Gestures can seem meaningless but this one did not. It struck the right tone of solidarity with those suffering.