THE families of the 96 victims of the Hillsborough tragedy used the annual memorial service to call for Kenny Dalglish to be given a knighthood.

Walton MP Steve Rotheram told fans at the annual memorial service at Anfield that relatives had asked him to put down an early day motion requesting the Queen makes the Liverpool FC manager a knight of the realm.

The parliamentary process will start this week.

Dalglish, 60, has continually backed families and fans’ collective quest for justice in the aftermath of the 1989 disaster and he was seen as a spiritual leader in one the city’s darkest hours.

Mr Rotheram said the move was “so the King of the Kop can become Sir Kenny Dalglish”.

The Kop faithful responded with a standing ovation.

Mr Rotheram also cited Dalglish’s contribution to football.

Friday’s service was the first time Dalglish had attended the memorial service as Liverpool boss since 1990 – a year after the 96 fans lost their lives in Sheffield Wednesday’s Leppings Lane.

Trevor Hicks, who lost daughters Sarah, 19, and Vicky, 15, said: “Kenny stood down as manager because it was all too much and it is good for the club that they have him back. I have known Kenny since the early days and he gave us a lot of advice. I think Kenny should be given the manager’s job and a knighthood.”