Putting Hillsborough to rest: the FA report in full

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 12: A copy of the report delivered by the Hillsborough Independent Panel

Only minutes ago, England’s Football Association released the full statement of its investigation into the Hillsborough disaster that took place at Leppings Lane outside Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield, South Yorkshire on the 15th of April, 1989.

Ninety-six people lost their lives on that fateful day, when Liverpool were slated to play Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup semi-final that year. Ninety-four died on the spot, while two more died in the hospital the following day. Another 766 individuals were injured.

All those who lost their lives that day were Liverpool fans.

On the day of the game, Liverpool fans arrived at their designated stand at Leppings Lane, passing through a number of turnstiles. As it became visibly overcrowded before kick-off, police ordered a large exit gate (Gate C) to be opened, allowing supporters to enter straight down a tunnel, leading directly to two pens.

The influx caused crushing, with fans climbing over side fences to escape. Moments after kick-off, a crush barrier broke, and fans began to fall on top of each other. The game stopped after six minutes; it was abandoned during half-time. To carry the injured, supporters tore down advertising hoardings and emergency services were called in to provide first aid. Of the 96 fatalities, only 14 were admitted to a hospital.

This resulted in the elimination of standing terraces at all major football stadiums in England, Wales and Scotland.

An excerpt from the FA’s Statement reads:

“It is also important that The FA recognises the tireless commitment shown by so many, particularly the Hillsborough Family Support Group. We welcome the publication of the report and the subsequent comments of the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.

“The FA reiterates its deep and ongoing sadness at the dreadful events that unfolded on 15 April 1989.

“The organisation’s thoughts at this time remains with the families of all those who lost their lives in such terrible circumstances, as well as everyone connected with the City of Liverpool. For 23 years the families have suffered unbearable pain, and we have profound sympathy for this.”

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 12: Prime Minister David Cameron

The FA’s statement comes a day after British Prime Minister David Cameron expressed his regret in the House of Commons, the Lower Level of Britain’s Parliament, at what had transpired that day. In an excerpt taken from The Guardian, Cameron said:

“Mr Speaker, in total over 450,000 pages of evidence have been reviewed. It was right that the families should see the report first. As a result, the government has only had a very limited amount of time to study the evidence so far. But it is already very clear that many of the report’s findings are deeply distressing.

There are three areas in particular. The failure of the authorities to help protect people. The attempt to blame the fans. And the doubt cast on the original coroner’s inquest.

The evidence in today’s report includes briefings to the media and attempts by the police to change the record of events. On the media: several newspapers reported false allegations that fans were drunk and violent and stole from the dead. The Sun’s report sensationalised these allegations under a banner headline, “The Truth”. This was clearly wrong and caused huge offence, distress and hurt.

The report finds that this was part of police efforts – and I quote – “to develop and publicise a version of events that focused on … allegations of drunkenness, ticketlessness and violence.” In terms of changing the record of events, we already know that police reports were significantly altered but the full extent was not drawn to Lord Justice Taylor’s attention.

I was fortunate enough to go to the Hillsborough memorial service last year, and what I witnessed there was one of the most moving incidents in football. I was studying in the UK at the time and since Hillsborough Stadium is only twenty minutes from my accommodation, I thought I would go.

What I witnessed reduced me to tears. A significant number of people had come all the way from Liverpool to honour those who had fallen that day. But what surprised me was that fans of Manchester United and Arsenal were also there. Sheffield United and Wednesday – the two local Clubs – also had a significant presence there. The phrase ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ had never rung truer than that moment there.

Solidarity was further seen when Manchester United fans hugged their Liverpool counterparts in tight embraces. And as tears glistened in the morning sun and slid off the cheeks of people, I knew that people could look beyond the shields that forms the bases of so many emblems throughout the world. This was not about fans sizing each other up and saying ‘We’ve won more trophies than you,’ this was about being there for each other.

Connecting on a much deeper level, a human level.

Those who died on that day should never be forgotten. They died so that we have football stadia that are much, much safer. The scarves placed over the memorial will soak in the rain, blow away in the wind, the flowers will wither and die, the photos of those who died and signed memorabilia present at Hillsborough and at Anfield will fade away for all but the families of the 96, but their memories must never be forgotten.

Respect for the ninety-six…always.

The full report from the FA can be found here: http://www.thefa.com/News/2012/sep/hillsborough-independent-panel.aspx

David Cameron’s speech at the House of Commons is here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/sep/12/david-cameron-hillsborough-report-statement