PHOTOS: Italian players pay tribute to Heysel Stadium disaster victims

Friday's international friendly in Belgium was an afterthought during a moving tribute to the 39 football supporters who lost their lives over 30 years ago at the Heysel Stadium disaster.

Along with the Italian national team, representatives from the Italian Football Federation, Juventus, and relatives of the victims took part in an emotional ceremony Thursday at the King Baudouin Stadium, formerly known as Heysel Stadium.

The disaster - which occurred on May 29, 1985 ahead of the European Cup Final between Juventus and Liverpool - resulted in the loss of 39 fans after they were pressed against a collapsing wall.

Tributes will continue Friday ahead of and during Italy's friendly against Belgium, with players from both nations displaying a commemorative banner. Play will also be suspended in the 39th minute for a moment of silence.