Liverpool falls silent to mark 35th anniversary of Hillsborough disaster: Ninety

Release time：2024-05-21 17:24:54 Source：Stellar Signals news portal

The city of Liverpool fell silent this afternoon to remember the 97 people who were killed in the Hillsborough disaster 35 years ago today. 

Men, women and children were crushed during an FA Cup semi-final match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at the Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield on April 15, 1989. 

A jury concluded in 2016 that the victims were unlawfully killed and said a catalogue of errors by police and ambulance services contributed to their deaths.

South Yorkshire Police built a narrative of lies to evade responsibility for its failures and instead blamed Liverpool fans for the disaster. 

At 3.06pm today, the time the match was halted 35 years ago, staff and players across the club fell silent and 97 balloons were released at Liverpool's stadium Anfield in a poignant tribute to the victims. 

A minute's silence was also held at Exchange Flags near Liverpool Town Hall. A bell tolled 97 times to pay tribute to each of the victims - and the club's anthem You'll Never Walk Alone was played.

The Mersey ferry sounded its horn at the beginning and end of the minute's silence and traffic was held through the Mersey Tunnels. Flags were flown at half mast on civic buildings and football club sites throughout the day.

Liverpool players, staff and officials laid wreaths at the Hillsborough Memorial at Anfield this morning.

97 balloons released at Anfield to commemorate the 35th Anniversary of the Hillsborough Disaster

Liverpool players, staff and officials laid wreaths at the Hillsborough Memorial at Anfield this morning

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and captain Virgil van Dijk lay wreaths at the Hillsbrough memorial today

Above: Fan Dave Roland pictured sitting on the Leppings Lane terrace at the Hillsborough Stadium with his head in his hands after the disaster. He died from coronavirus in 2020

Former Liverpool striker Sir Kenny Dalglish, chairman Billy Hogan and the managers and captains of both the men's and women's teams also paid tributes.

One wreath laid by manager Jurgen Klopp and the team had a message which said: 'Forever in our hearts, the 97 will never be forgotten.'

READ MORE: Families mark 35th anniversary of Hillsborough disaster with minute's silence to be held in Liverpool to remember 97 men, women and children who died in crush at 1989 FA cup semi-final 

Today, the Hillsborough Survivors Support Alliance, a support group for victims, said: 'We will never forget what we saw that day. And we will never forget the 97 children, women and men who didn't make it home, and what their families went through. 

'To the families, survivors, and anyone affected, be kind to yourself and those around you today.'

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: 'Today on the 35th anniversary of Hillsborough, I'll be thinking about those lost, their families, and their enduring courage and determination to pursue justice. 

'Making the Hillsborough Law a reality would be a priority of my Labour government.'

Last year the Government opted not to introduce a Hillsborough Law that has been called for by campaigners.

The law would include a legal duty of candour on public authorities and officials to tell the truth and proactively cooperate with official investigations and inquiries. 

A Liverpool FC statement posted on X read: 'Our thoughts today, as always, are with all those affected by the tragedy at Hillsborough and the 97 fans who will never be forgotten. You'll Never Walk Alone.' 

The Liverpool Academy laid a wreath which said: 'Always remembered and never forgotten.'

Barry Lewtas manager of Liverpool U21, Marc Bridge-Wilkinson manager of Liverpool U18, Terence Miles and Michael Laffey laying a wreath at the Hillsborough memorial

Councillor Mary Rasmussen Lord Mayor of Liverpool laying a wreath at the Hillsborough memorial

The people of Liverpool come together to pay their respects on the 35th anniversary of the disaster 

97 balloons are released above the Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand at Anfield to commemorate the 35th Anniversary

An injured fan is carried off the pitch at Hillsborough by police and other supporters

Fans on the pitch at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield after the crush on April 15, 1989

Supporters flood the pitch after fans are crushed at the Hillsborough Stadium during Liverpool's FA Cup semi-final match against Nottingham Forest

A statement on Nottingham Forest's account on X said: 'Today we remember those who tragically lost their lives in the Hillsborough disaster 35 years ago. 

'The thoughts of everyone at Nottingham Forest are with all those who have been affected'.

Kim Johnson, Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside wrote on X: 'We do not forget the 97 unlawfully killed Liverpool fans, their families, the survivors and all those affected by the Hillsborough tragedy. 

'Their long and courageous battle for justice shows the need for a #HillsboroughLaw. #YNWA'.

Professor Matt Ashton, who was at the match at Hillsborough and is now the director of public health for Liverpool City Council, said: '35 years ago today I went to a football match. 97 of us never returned. 

'Today I remember the 97, their families and loved ones, and the survivors. #Hillsborough.'

A spokeswoman for Liverpool City Council said flags will be flown at half-mast on civic buildings and the town hall will light up red in the evening in tribute today.

A specially designed bench to recognise survivors of the disaster was unveiled at Anfield on Friday.

The match commander on the day of the 1989 match, David Duckenfield, was charged with gross negligence manslaughter in 2017, but was cleared in 2019 at a retrial held after the jury in his first trial was unable to reach a verdict.

In 2021, retired officers Donald Denton and Alan Foster and former force solicitor Peter Metcalf, who were accused of amending statements to minimise the blame on South Yorkshire Police, were acquitted of perverting the course of justice after a judge ruled there was no case to answer.

A spokesman for the campaign to introduce a Hillsborough Law said: 'The pain and suffering of the past 35 years have not diminished.

'Today, we pay tribute to all 97 supporters, they will never be forgotten, and we fight on in their memory and for all those who have suffered such injustice at the hands of the state.

'The truth of what really happened on that dreadful day was not revealed for decades because public authorities and officials concealed the truth in their own interests.

Liverpool supporters climbing to safety during the Liverpool v Nottingham Forest FA Cup semi-final football match at Hillsborough

Fans try to get to safety at the Hillsborough Stadium as the disaster unfolds

An injured fan is carried off the pitch at the Hillsborough Stadium on the day of the disaster

Flowers are left at the eternal flame of the Hillsborough memorial ahead of Liverpool's match against Crystal Palace on Sunday

Liverpool fans mark the anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster ahead of kick-off in the club's match against Crystal Palace yesterday

'Yet 35 years on, the experiences of Hillsborough families have been repeated countless times, currently with the Post Office scandal. Little has changed.

'A Hillsborough Law, with a duty of candour at its heart, would ensure that the battles faced by the Hillsborough and Post Office families, and countless others, can never be repeated.

'It would create a legal duty on public authorities and officials to tell the truth and proactively co-operate with official investigations and inquiries.

'Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to make this law a reality if the Labour Party comes to power, we hope other parties will follow suit and stop this criminal abuse of power.'

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