Hillsborough Stadium Disaster: Remembering the Tragedy That Claimed 97 Liverpool Fans’ Lives, 33 Years On

• 97 Liverpool fans tragically lost their lives as a result of the devastating Hillsborough Stadium disaster
• Police and some media outlets blamed the Liverpool supporters for the tragedy, accusing them of causing the crush
• Family members of the deceased and survivors have long since campaigned for justice to be served for the 97

Liverpool, and the footballing world at large, today honours the memory of those who were tragically killed in the Hillsborough Stadium Disaster.

97 fans have since died as a result of the crush at the stadium which took place 33 years ago.

The tragedy, which took place as Liverpool were preparing to take on Nottingham Forest in an FA Cup semi-final, remains the United Kingdom’s worst sporting disaster, the BBC reported. Ninety-five men, women and children lost their lives with hundreds more injured.

The oldest victim of the disaster was 67, while the youngest was only 10-years-old. The 96th victim passed on four years later as a result of his injuries sustained from the disaster. In 2021, the 97th victim of the disaster sadly passed on.

Which is the most hated football team in the world? Top 10

Football

Original findings into the tragedy found that no one could be held responsible for the deaths. Police also released the false narrative that Liverpool fans pushed their way into the stadium, causing the crush.

The Sun also published their now infamous front page in which they blamed the Liverpool supporters for the tragedy. The Sun’s article claimed that Liverpool fans urinated on police and pickpocketed the victims.

Unhappy with the original findings, family members of the deceased and survivors of the tragedy launched a campaign in which they sought justice, LiverpoolFC confirmed.

In 2012 a High Court ordered new inquests into the disaster and in 2016 a jury found that the victims were unlawfully killed during the disaster.

Former Chief Superintendent, David Duckenfield, was charged with unlawful killing by gross negligence of 95 people. Five other men were also charged for their role in failing to prevent the disaster from happening. Sadly no one has yet to be found guilty of any of the crimes they were charged for.

Fascinating facts about the top 10 best Chelsea legends of all time

Football

While the search for justice for the 97 continues, Liverpool and the footballing world at large will never forget the tragedy and the lives of those who were ultimately affected by it.

On This Day, 11 April 2011: 43 fans killed in Ellis Park Stadium disaster

11 April 2001 will live on infamy as one of the darkest days in South African sporting history. In what has become known as the Ellis Park Stadium Disaster, 43 people were killed in a stampede at a football match between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

More than 250 others were injured in a venue that was over its capacity by thousands of spectators. According to SA History Online, a police spokesperson said between 90 000 and 120 000 people were in and around the stadium that has a capacity of 60 000 spectators.

It was reported that 29 fans perished inside the stadium, with another 14 passing away outside. Even more horrifying is that several children, including 11-year-old Rosswinn Nation and 13-year-old Siphiwe Mpungose were among those who lost their lives, Sports Brief reported.