Dr David Webber an expert in the cultural political economy of football in the Politics and International Studies department comments on a momentous step in the fight for justice for the 96 Liverpool fans who died at Hillsborough in April 1989.

“The decision to pass 23 files of individuals and organisations over the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is a momentous step in bringing those responsible for the deaths of 96 Liverpool supporters in April 1989 to justice.

“For more than a quarter of a century, the Hillsborough families and survivors had been told no-one could be held to account, and up until the conclusion of the public inquests last April, Liverpool fans had been widely blamed for the tragedy.

“Yet, with the inquests absolving fans of any culpability, it is those senior figures that were found to be responsible for the disaster and subsequent cover-up that followed, who now finally face the prospect of fresh criminal proceedings being brought against them including gross negligence, manslaughter, conspiring to and perverting the course of justice.

“The due diligence of those involved in gathering this sheer volume of evidence – and the determination and resolve of the Hillsborough families and survivors is to be praised. Moreover, that not one Liverpool supporter is implicated in these files vindicates the 27-year struggle for justice.

“The inquests in April delivered the truth. This latest development represents a potentially momentous landmark in the fight to deliver justice for the ninety-six who died at Hillsborough, their families, and their fellow supporters who survived the disaster.”

Contact:

Alex Buxton: Media Relations Manager, University of Warwick

Tel: 02476 150423
Mob: 07876 218166
E: a.buxton.1@warwick.ac.uk