Families of the victims of the Hillsborough tragedy have criticized the senior officers responsible, stating that they wrongfully caused the deaths of 97 individuals and then shifted the blame onto others, calling it an egregious act.
During a press conference, Margaret Aspinall, Charlotte Hennessy, Steve Kelly, and Sue Roberts, who lost loved ones in the disaster, expressed their frustration at the deceitful actions of the South Yorkshire Police. They highlighted the lack of transparency revealed in a recent report by the Independent Office for Police Conduct regarding the FA Cup semi-final incident in 1989 at Sheffield Wednesday’s stadium.
On April 15, 1989, Liverpool supporters were crushed while attending a match against Nottingham Forest. The tragedy unfolded after the police opened an exit gate, failing to manage the crowd flow effectively, which led to the fatal crush in the central pens.
Despite initial claims by the South Yorkshire Police blaming Liverpool supporters for the disaster, investigations have debunked these accusations after years of persistent efforts by the victims’ families.
The IOPC report identified 12 police officers who would have faced severe disciplinary actions for gross misconduct, but legal constraints prevent any sanctions from being imposed retroactively. The families’ legal representative, Nicola Brook, stressed the lack of accountability in light of the report’s findings.
The prolonged process of reaching these conclusions, spanning 36 years and multiple inquest verdicts, has left many families without closure. The families lamented the denial of justice for their deceased loved ones and emphasized the need for systemic reforms to prevent such injustices from recurring.
Acknowledging the bravery of Liverpool supporters who were unjustly accused, Charlotte Hennessy expressed gratitude for the IOPC report’s confirmation of long-held truths by the families and survivors.
The families vowed to continue advocating for the Hillsborough Law, currently under parliamentary consideration, to ensure accountability and justice. They also demanded the removal of former South Yorkshire Police Ch Supt Sir Norman Bettison’s knighthood and Queen’s Policing Medal due to his alleged involvement in misleading statements and dishonesty surrounding the tragedy.
The families remain resolute in their pursuit of justice and accountability, hoping that their tireless efforts will lead to meaningful change in police misconduct procedures.