Topic: Hillsborough - Inquest Verdicts - Tuesday 26th April

[No666]

I’m hoping now the anger and frustration I have carried with me for all these years will wane and by replaced by a peace... I think I, and many like me, need. We should all look to each other and warmly embrace the feeling of achievement…not victory , too much pain to be victorious….

You deserve peace. Well said.

[mersey_paradiso]

Brilliantly written mate , I hope you and everyone else affected can find that deserved sense of peace , YNWA . 

[Trada]

Ian Ayre statement on Hillsborough inquests

Following the return of the jury's determinations at the Hillsborough inquests today, Liverpool FC's chief executive officer Ian Ayre has released this statement.

“After 27 long years the true verdict has finally been delivered, confirming what the families always believed – their loved ones were unlawfully killed.

“Liverpool Football Club welcomes the jury’s decision, once and for all, that our supporters were not in any way responsible for what happened at Hillsborough. We will always remember the selfless bravery and heroism of the many fans that helped their fellow supporters in the most harrowing of circumstances that day. We praise those who, since the beginning of the inquest, have had to find the courage and strength to re-live what they went through.

“Since April 15, 1989, the solidarity shown by Liverpool fans towards the families and survivors encapsulates the unique character of both the club and city. We are also hugely thankful for the unwavering support the wider football community has so generously shown these past 27 years.

“It has been a painful journey for the families and survivors, who have endured and sacrificed so much for so long. The resilience and dignity they have shown throughout their tireless campaign has been humbling and inspirational. Their conduct and actions throughout their struggle has brought pride to the city of Liverpool and will serve as a lasting tribute to the victims.

“The 96 men, women and children who were unlawfully killed at Hillsborough will never be forgotten.”

http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/announcements/218435-ian-ayre-statement-on-hillsborough-inquests

[4pool]

FlashingBlade

You haven't Walked Alone all these years. Nor will you in the future. We're always here when you need us.

[robertobaggio37]

Hat off to the families as they have had amazing strength since the moment they lost a love one to the day they can now finally weep a tear knowing their lost soul can now rest in peace. What a tragedy made 1000 times worse by the struggle they had to endure......a great day indeed but still many a sad tear will be shed as it should never had happened.

In nutshell. Respect for everyone involved, can't imagine what they have been through. JFT96.

[Billy1561]

Its hard to be articulate feeling so emotional but here goes.

I was at Hillsborough ( and lost a mate, Eric George Hughes) ,like tens of thousands of others, I have carried Hillsborough through most of my adult life, I’m 55 now, I was 29 then. The 96 and the families have been at the centre of our fight for justice, but there has been more , much more, we have had to fight to defend our identity as a City , Community ,Football Club and fan base. Whilst the tide has turned in the past few years, for a substantial period , twenty years or more, we stood alone, contempt from the Establishment and abuse and bile from too many around this country..... Thankfully not all were conned by the ‘lies’  ..we didn't walk alone..,football fans around the world  not just the UK who knew the score, decent minded people, a younger generation of Liverpool fans wonderfully taking on the responsibility to fight for justice, sadly these voices where often drowned out by the abuse and conceit of those who wanted to pour their ignorance, hatred  and prejudice against  the Liverpool Community….and  let it not be lost, supported by prejudicial political ideology...but the voices where never silenced!!

 There is something about the human spirit that cannot be crushed when the odds of injustice appear insurmountable, there where dark days in the intervening years, but as the song/banner says ‘..there is a light that never goes out’…and  the fight in Liverpool didn’t get weaker as the odds increased against us…we got stronger.

I’m hoping now the anger and frustration I have carried with me for all these years will wane and by replaced by a peace... I think I, and many like me, need. We should all look to each other and warmly embrace the feeling of achievement…not victory , too much pain to be victorious….

Walking around Liverpool at lunch today, I saw one that has changed substantially in  these 27 years , the world has moved on and so shall we, but we will never forget  Hillsborough and our unbelievable fight for…and let’s say it ‘cos it they’re our words now, we own them…’The Truth’.  How wonderful and apt is that banner “ …We climbed up the hill in our own way” …another song, music is how we communicate our spirit…we did and we should be  proud of ourselves. I’m 6’ 3’’ , have been since I was 16….but I don’t think I’ve ever felt so tall as I did today walking around Liverpool. The City that can proudly say, we never gave up fighting for justice for  the 96, the families …or for ourselves.

Out of context, but If I may use the words of a  great man who gave his life in the fight against injustice and prejudice.

“…. free at last, free at last , thank god almighty, we are free at last”
                                                                                               -          Martin Luther King

 At last…Justice for the 96

Splendid words. Agree entirely. I too like loads of others was there that day. Never lost anyone i knew and came away without a scratch whilst being in Leppings lane. I've been so fortunate. The guilt is awful somedays.
The amazing work of the families during times of immense stress is incredible. I salute each and every one of them.

[Mighty Zeus]

I’m hoping now the anger and frustration I have carried with me for all these years will wane and by replaced by a peace... I think I, and many like me, need

From the bottom of my heart, I hope it does.

[stockdam]

Its hard to be articulate feeling so emotional but here goes.

Well done.

[Frank Becton]

I was there too, not in Lepping's Lane end. I was 29 back then.
Not a day goes by without me thinking about that day and it will never leave me.

@FlashingBlade - respect.

[stockdam]

The guilt is awful somedays.

You were very fortunate but please do not feel guilty. You have nothing to be guilty about.

[Gerry Attrick]

A few messages from ex-players;

John Arne Riise Verified account
‏@JARiiseOfficial
Well done to everybody who has been fighting for this the last 27 years!You guys are amazing!Today you got your reward! Truth is out!#JFT96

 
Jamie Carragher Verified account
‏@Carra23
Justice finally. #JFT96


Luis Garcia ‏@LuchoGarcia14  5h5 hours ago
Justice has been done!! RIP #96 #YNWA


John Aldridge Verified account
‏@Realaldo474
Got that rats name wrong it's Kelvin Mc kenzie Lfc fans don't forget that name!!!!!!!!!complete and utter disgrace to humanity.
fantastic to see the reaction of the families outside the court!very emotional as well,The truth is out AT LAST.Take note all the doubters!!

[TheTeflonJohn]

Its hard to be articulate feeling so emotional but here goes.

I was at Hillsborough ( and lost a mate, Eric George Hughes) ,like tens of thousands of others, I have carried Hillsborough through most of my adult life, I’m 55 now, I was 29 then. The 96 and the families have been at the centre of our fight for justice, but there has been more , much more, we have had to fight to defend our identity as a City , Community ,Football Club and fan base. Whilst the tide has turned in the past few years, for a substantial period , twenty years or more, we stood alone, contempt from the Establishment and abuse and bile from too many around this country..... Thankfully not all were conned by the ‘lies’  ..we didn't walk alone..,football fans around the world  not just the UK who knew the score, decent minded people, a younger generation of Liverpool fans wonderfully taking on the responsibility to fight for justice, sadly these voices where often drowned out by the abuse and conceit of those who wanted to pour their ignorance, hatred  and prejudice against  the Liverpool Community….and  let it not be lost, supported by prejudicial political ideology...but the voices where never silenced!!

 There is something about the human spirit that cannot be crushed when the odds of injustice appear insurmountable, there where dark days in the intervening years, but as the song/banner says ‘..there is a light that never goes out’…and  the fight in Liverpool didn’t get weaker as the odds increased against us…we got stronger.

I’m hoping now the anger and frustration I have carried with me for all these years will wane and be replaced by a peace... I think I, and many like me, need. We should all look to each other and warmly embrace the feeling of achievement…not victory , too much pain to be victorious….

Walking around Liverpool at lunch today, I saw one that has changed substantially in  these 27 years , the world has moved on and so shall we, but we will never forget  Hillsborough and our unbelievable fight for…and let’s say it ‘cos it they’re our words now, we own them…’The Truth’.  How wonderful and apt is that banner “ …We climbed up the hill in our own way” …another song, music is how we communicate our spirit…we did and we should be  proud of ourselves. I’m 6’ 3’’ , have been since I was 16….but I don’t think I’ve ever felt so tall as I did today walking around Liverpool. The City that can proudly say, we never gave up fighting for justice for  the 96, the families …or for ourselves.

Out of context, but If I may use the words of a  great man who gave his life in the fight against injustice and prejudice.

“…. free at last, free at last , thank god almighty, we are free at last”
                                                                                               -          Martin Luther King

 At last…Justice for the 96

That`s fucking brilliant mate, heart breaking and brilliant at the same time.

I was at the Georges Hall today myself and watched the verdicts with an overwhelming sense of relief and sadness. I also felt that immense pride your talking about that we were never silenced, never gave up, only got stronger.

In all the years I took the jibes whilst working around the country, I never let them beat me, I always fought the corner of my city and I never let the c*nts get me down. "One day" I thought.

My brother was there on that day pulling people out and he still struggles to talk to me about it to this day. When the verdicts where read out I just felt crying that my brother was finally vindicated, he didn`t kill any of his brothers and sisters, he was a human being that day who tried to save them.

And now the world knows.

[edeyj]

I was in the Leppings Lane stand above the terraces and had to watch the whole disaster unfold. Today is a very emotional day. I'm so pleased for the families after 27 long hard years.

I suppose the question now is "what does justice looks like"? But maybe that's for another day.

YNWA.

[Gerry Attrick]

Its hard to be articulate feeling so emotional but here goes.

I was at Hillsborough ( and lost a mate, Eric George Hughes) ,like tens of thousands of others, I have carried Hillsborough through most of my adult life, I’m 55 now, I was 29 then. The 96 and the families have been at the centre of our fight for justice, but there has been more , much more, we have had to fight to defend our identity as a City , Community ,Football Club and fan base. Whilst the tide has turned in the past few years, for a substantial period , twenty years or more, we stood alone, contempt from the Establishment and abuse and bile from too many around this country..... Thankfully not all were conned by the ‘lies’  ..we didn't walk alone..,football fans around the world  not just the UK who knew the score, decent minded people, a younger generation of Liverpool fans wonderfully taking on the responsibility to fight for justice, sadly these voices where often drowned out by the abuse and conceit of those who wanted to pour their ignorance, hatred  and prejudice against  the Liverpool Community….and  let it not be lost, supported by prejudicial political ideology...but the voices where never silenced!!

 There is something about the human spirit that cannot be crushed when the odds of injustice appear insurmountable, there where dark days in the intervening years, but as the song/banner says ‘..there is a light that never goes out’…and  the fight in Liverpool didn’t get weaker as the odds increased against us…we got stronger.

I’m hoping now the anger and frustration I have carried with me for all these years will wane and be replaced by a peace... I think I, and many like me, need. We should all look to each other and warmly embrace the feeling of achievement…not victory , too much pain to be victorious….

Walking around Liverpool at lunch today, I saw one that has changed substantially in  these 27 years , the world has moved on and so shall we, but we will never forget  Hillsborough and our unbelievable fight for…and let’s say it ‘cos it they’re our words now, we own them…’The Truth’.  How wonderful and apt is that banner “ …We climbed up the hill in our own way” …another song, music is how we communicate our spirit…we did and we should be  proud of ourselves. I’m 6’ 3’’ , have been since I was 16….but I don’t think I’ve ever felt so tall as I did today walking around Liverpool. The City that can proudly say, we never gave up fighting for justice for  the 96, the families …or for ourselves.

Out of context, but If I may use the words of a  great man who gave his life in the fight against injustice and prejudice.

“…. free at last, free at last , thank god almighty, we are free at last”
                                                                                               -          Martin Luther King

 At last…Justice for the 96

Can only echo others' sentiments and say that you'll never walk alone, mate.

[Branno]

Wow....the mind is an amazing thing. Started today nervous, then sick, then celebrated, then cried, then anger, then pride....now nirvana. Long may the latest remain

[exiledintheUSA]

The guilt is awful somedays.

My dad, my uncle and their best mate are all in the same boat, the mental scars of that day will haunt them until they meet up with the 96 again.  I know they feel the same as you do, although the very rarely talk about it, you can see it.  Those of you that were there that day have nothing to feel guilty about, todays verdicts allow for a vessel of truth and the direction of the true guilt - a guilt that does not reside at the door of any red who was there that day.

[the 92A]

Flashing blade lets hope its the start of the survivors being able to get some peace. Another post from you where you just get it. Good luck mate

[Billy1561]

I was in the Leppings Lane stand above the terraces and had to watch the whole disaster unfold. Today is a very emotional day. I'm so pleased for the families after 27 long hard years.

I suppose the question now is "what does justice looks like"? But maybe that's for another day.

YNWA.

I was with 6 mates and we were spread around in different stands. Those days there were no mobiles to contact each other. When eventually we all managed to find each other we started the walk back to the van but on the streets of Sheffield many many residents had their phones on tables outside the  front doors so we could ring family. Fantastic gesture from the locals who wouldn't take a penny off us. Was horrible listening to the radio on the drive back.

[mersey_paradiso]

I was there too, not in Lepping's Lane end. I was 29 back then.
Not a day goes by without me thinking about that day and it will never leave me.

@FlashingBlade - respect.

Hope you feel a little more at peace after today mate too . YNWA

[edeyj]

I was with 6 mates and we were spread around in different stands. Those days there were no mobiles to contact each other. When eventually we all managed to find each other we started the walk back to the van but on the streets of Sheffield many many residents had their phones on tables outside the  front doors so we could ring family. Fantastic gesture from the locals who wouldn't take a penny off us. Was horrible listening to the radio on the drive back.

Agree with that mate.

[FlashingBlade]

I was with 6 mates and we were spread around in different stands. Those days there were no mobiles to contact each other. When eventually we all managed to find each other we started the walk back to the van but on the streets of Sheffield many many residents had their phones on tables outside the  front doors so we could ring family. Fantastic gesture from the locals who wouldn't take a penny off us. Was horrible listening to the radio on the drive back.

your right mate, I saw queues outside peoples houses letting them phone home...we where first back to the pub we'd been in before game...the manager opened it up and let us in to use the phone , it was on the bar..as I fumbled for coins , he lent over, stuck a key in and turned it 'Free calls now mate'....that simple act of compassion  brings me to tears as I type this 27 years on.

[lakes]

hard to put into words how I feel. a game that I was going to yet I didn't go, the tickets are still here with me and my friend, we wished our other friend Marian a good trip the day before when we let her know we were not going to make the trip with her. that was the last time we spoke, me and my friend have felt the guilt ever since that day. could we have saved her, would we have stood in a safer place.

the club were fantastic in the days and weeks after and still are. today I hope Marian's family can get some peace of mind and at last Marian can start to rest in peace.
J96
YNWA

[Frank Becton]

Hope you feel a little more at peace after today mate too . YNWA

Thanks, I feel weird to be honest, can't explain it. Guess we all do to a degree. But yes definitely more at peace mate.

YNWA

[Branno]

Remember queuing up outside the Currys to call me Ma. Surreal....had swapped my ticket to the game with a guy on the coach .swapped my leaping lane seat for a terrace to be with my mates....imagine his face when he saw me get back on the coach. Remember some lads legs sticking in in the air where heads should have been heads. Remembers coppers throwing fans back in who had just really got out. Remember coppers doing nothing as fans carted us off in hoardings. Remember one ambulance

[FlashingBlade]

Read above mate, the compassion of those living around the ground has been remembered, I hope that they know its appreciated all these years on.

[TheTeflonJohn]

Nice one Owlsfan.

[Frank Becton]

Thanks for coming on Owlsfan.

[lakes]

Its hard to be articulate feeling so emotional but here goes.

I was at Hillsborough ( and lost a mate, Eric George Hughes) ,like tens of thousands of others, I have carried Hillsborough through most of my adult life, I’m 55 now, I was 29 then. The 96 and the families have been at the centre of our fight for justice, but there has been more , much more, we have had to fight to defend our identity as a City , Community ,Football Club and fan base. Whilst the tide has turned in the past few years, for a substantial period , twenty years or more, we stood alone, contempt from the Establishment and abuse and bile from too many around this country..... Thankfully not all were conned by the ‘lies’  ..we didn't walk alone..,football fans around the world  not just the UK who knew the score, decent minded people, a younger generation of Liverpool fans wonderfully taking on the responsibility to fight for justice, sadly these voices where often drowned out by the abuse and conceit of those who wanted to pour their ignorance, hatred  and prejudice against  the Liverpool Community….and  let it not be lost, supported by prejudicial political ideology...but the voices where never silenced!!

 There is something about the human spirit that cannot be crushed when the odds of injustice appear insurmountable, there where dark days in the intervening years, but as the song/banner says ‘..there is a light that never goes out’…and  the fight in Liverpool didn’t get weaker as the odds increased against us…we got stronger.

I’m hoping now the anger and frustration I have carried with me for all these years will wane and be replaced by a peace... I think I, and many like me, need. We should all look to each other and warmly embrace the feeling of achievement…not victory , too much pain to be victorious….

Walking around Liverpool at lunch today, I saw one that has changed substantially in  these 27 years , the world has moved on and so shall we, but we will never forget  Hillsborough and our unbelievable fight for…and let’s say it ‘cos it they’re our words now, we own them…’The Truth’.  How wonderful and apt is that banner “ …We climbed up the hill in our own way” …another song, music is how we communicate our spirit…we did and we should be  proud of ourselves. I’m 6’ 3’’ , have been since I was 16….but I don’t think I’ve ever felt so tall as I did today walking around Liverpool. The City that can proudly say, we never gave up fighting for justice for  the 96, the families …or for ourselves.

Out of context, but If I may use the words of a  great man who gave his life in the fight against injustice and prejudice.

“…. free at last, free at last , thank god almighty, we are free at last”
                                                                                               -          Martin Luther King

 At last…Justice for the 96

Bless you mate, I live down south but travel up for games and lost a good friend that day.

[Millie]

had to go out - still feel really strange - can't put it into words

Keep breaking into floods of tears

Please God may our lives be a little easier from now on

[Frank Becton]

had to go out - still feel really strange - can't put it into words

Me too, think we all feel a bit like that today.

[Upinsmoke]

It's probably been mentioned but David Conn's coverage of these inquests has been brilliant.

[Lfsea]

had to go out - still feel really strange - can't put it into words

Keep breaking into floods of tears

Please God may our lives be a little easier from now on

I hope so Ange, Thinking of you xx

[Red_Rich]

Well said Owls fan.  I was 22 and living in Sheffield at the time.  I woud have been in our end if I hadn't been attending a wedding that day.  My girlfriend at the time was an intensive care nurse at the Hallamshire and she looked after many of the victims including Tony Bland.

Today has stirred up many emotions from that day and the weeks that followed.

One thing I will never understand is why that damn stand is still there!  It should have been buldosed and replaced years ago.  Everytime a cup draw is made I pray we don't draw SWFC.

[Phil_88]

its a weird feeling today, I was 11 months old at the time the Hillsborough disaster happened, have no family connection to Liverpool or to Hillsborough disaster apart from being a Liverpool fc fan since I can remember and going to games when I can, I only found out the full extent of the cover up and everything surrounding it during the mid 2000's but as I watched the verdicts unfold today couldn't help myself from holding back the tears and feel the relief and anger the families must feel, and there has never been a day I have been prouder to be a fan of Liverpool football club

[Samie]

Tom Werner on behalf of the owners http://lfc.tv/AnkG

Liverpool FC chairman Tom Werner has released this statement following the return of the jury's determinations at the Hillsborough inquests today.

"Today marks the most significant step forward to date for the Hillsborough families and survivors in their long battle for truth and justice. Although the struggle enters a new phase, we sincerely hope they can find some comfort and peace following today’s ruling.

"We have been moved and inspired by the great courage shown by the families and survivors. We feel deep sorrow for their loss, take inspiration from their campaign and express gratitude for bringing honour to the club through their conduct during this cruelly prolonged process.

"At Liverpool Football Club and across the footballing world, the 96 will never be forgotten."

[XabiAlonsosBeard]

It's probably been mentioned but David Conn's coverage of these inquests has been brilliant.

His long read piece in the Guardian today is a wonderful and damning piece of journalism.

We'll still get the divvies spouting the official/S*n/Tory line. These people used to anger me. But, now I feel nothing but pity for them. They're laughable. Bazza from Birmingham and Tommy from Manchester apparently know more that THREE independent tribunals. Anyone who still clings desperately to the now totally debunked ticketless fans etc hypothesis would be well served in reading that Conn piece. A monumental and disastrous fuck up from start to finish from SYP and others. 

[TheTeflonJohn]

Aidrian Durham can be a right gobshite at times but hats off to him for this.

https://soundcloud.com/talksport/adrian-durhams-hillsborough-reaction

[Cantona]

Shocking that it's taken so long for the truth to finally come out.
I remember being just 9 years old at the time and my Liverpool supporting uncle was visiting for a few days, I didn't really understand what had happened but I can still picture his face as he looked at the terrible pictures the next day, it was of true sadness.
Hopefully the families can finally get some peace and closure to this horrific tragedy, they have fought long and hard for it.
RIP the 96. YNWA.

[MichaelA]

Congratulations would be a f .ookin' strange word to use , given the enormity of what has occurred today...and the tragedy that occurred at my ground in '89
but I hope the families of the 96 have now found some sort of peace...
This now has to go to its conclusion...and I realise, in that conclusion, the club I have followed for over 50 years is culpable in that...
I accept that...I'm ashamed of it, but truth is truth.
I never accepted the stories of SYP..or the crap printed in the Sun newspaper....cos I knew what football was in those days...I knew what the Leppings Lane was...I knew what fences did....
Its hard to come on here...because its shaming...Ive been on before and been met with only understanding...and thats a tribute to Liverpool fans...
I worked in one of the local hospitals at the time...and went in as soon as I heard what was unfolding on that fateful day, along with my wife who was a nurse and 8 months pregnant at the time....
While I remain deeply saddened it happened in my City..and at my ground...I'm happy that the disgusting lies peddled by press and politicians about football fans has been seen for the calumny that it was...
R.I P the 96...

Thanks for your post, and thanks for reminding me of the word 'calumny':

1.
the making of false and defamatory statements about someone in order to damage their reputation; slander.

[Phil_88]

Aidrian Durham can be a right gobshite at times but hats off to him for this.

https://soundcloud.com/talksport/adrian-durhams-hillsborough-reaction

respect for that