They’ve been through several investigations over a 27-year period, but for survivors of Britain’s worse stadium disaster, at Hillsborough, a jury finding that the 96 victims were “unlawfully killed” represents the first major step towards justice. The relief was visible in emotional scenes outside the court, with tears streaming down the faces of survivors and victims’ families.
The 1989 disaster occurred when Liverpool and Nottingham Forest fans packed into Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield for an FA Cup semi-final.
It was a time when the English game was plagued by hooliganism, which is what the tragedy was blamed on by media and authorities. Subsequent investigations, however, ruled it to be a tragic accident with no one held responsible.
However the jury’s findings at this most recent inquest were that the fans weren’t to blame, that critical emergency response was delayed, and that police had made erroneous decisions that led to the disaster.
In particular, they ordered an exit gate to be opened which in turn allowed thousands of spectators banked outside an already filled stadium before kick-off to squeeze in, resulting in the crush which ended 96 lives.
After the ruling, a victim’s brother Mark Corrigan told the ABC’s AM radio program that the tragedy had left a hole in his life.
“I don’t know, I felt numb coming here today. We’ve been here before. We’ve been to London time and time again. But today the Lord’s looked down with the 96 and opened them gates.”
Many victims’ families are now hoping this latest inquest’s findings will pave the way for prosecution of those responsible and justice for the victims of the disaster.