Anne

[Rich1973]

Surprised there isn't a thread already.
I never knew all the ins and outs of Hillsborough but have a much better understanding now.
It has been an excellent programme albeit difficult to watch and a bit dusty occasionally.
Those poor families and victims.

[Silenoz]

It was exceptionally well done. Shocking that there hasn't been any justice for the families.

[Ben Jk]

Didn’t watch it but let me guess….the Liverpool fans were blameless and it was everyone else’s fault?

It was an absolutley horrific incident (I watched it unfold on the TV age 8) and I am sure that actions of many on the day could have been different and maybe there could have been a better outcome but I refuse to accept the Liverpool fans were blameless. About time the witness testimony’s from the people of Hillsborough/Sheffield are heard properly.

Sorry if this view seems harsh but I have/had family in Sheffield who have/had their own eye witness account from the day.

Edited by Ben Jk on Wednesday 5th January 22:35

[Blue62]

Ben Jk said:

Didn’t watch it but let me guess….the Liverpool fans were blameless and it was everyone else’s fault?

It was an absolutley horrific incident (I watched it unfold on the TV age 8) and I am sure that actions of many on the day could have been different and maybe there could have been a better outcome but I refuse to accept the Liverpool fans were blameless. About time the witness testimony’s from the people of Hillsborough/Sheffield are heard properly.

Sorry if this view seems harsh but I have/had family in Sheffield who have/had their own eye witness account from the day.

Edited by Ben Jk on Wednesday 5th January 22:35

As a production the acting and storyline were gripping, I’m sure you’d enjoy it and though it’s clearly a drama it may help to develop your understanding and perspective. I’m not aware that Sheffield peoples witness statements have been withheld, could you explain and expand?

[cuprabob]

Intended only to watch the first episode last night but ended up watching them all. I thought it was excellent and will watch the documentary over the weekend.

[biggbn]

There is an excellent documentary available on BBC iplayer, over two hours if memory serves, speaks to people who were there, serving police officers, real eye opener, that day was the culmination of a perfect storm. So sad

[sandman77]

Ben Jk said:

Didn’t watch it but let me guess….the Liverpool fans were blameless and it was everyone else’s fault?

It was an absolutley horrific incident (I watched it unfold on the TV age 8) and I am sure that actions of many on the day could have been different and maybe there could have been a better outcome but I refuse to accept the Liverpool fans were blameless. About time the witness testimony’s from the people of Hillsborough/Sheffield are heard properly.

Sorry if this view seems harsh but I have/had family in Sheffield who have/had their own eye witness account from the day.

Edited by Ben Jk on Wednesday 5th January 22:35

Thousands of fans want into the stadium to watch the game and the police decide to open the gates and allow them all to rush into the nearest stand. Who do you think is to blame?

[Ben Jk]

sandman77 said:

Thousands of fans want into the stadium to watch the game and the police decide to open the gates and allow them all to rush into the nearest stand. Who do you think is to blame?

The fans turning up late with no tickets have to shoulder some of the blame.

[sandman77]

Ben Jk said:

The fans turning up late with no tickets have to shoulder some of the blame.

Back in those days I turned up at plenty of football matches without a ticket as there was always scope to buy one outside the ground. This was a very common thing to do.
If I was outside the stadium and wanting in to watch the match and the police opened the gates and allowed me in I would go in and I’m sure most others would too.
The police are 100% to blame for this incident and thinking otherwise is ignorance.

[edthefed]

Ben Jk said:

The fans turning up late with no tickets have to shoulder some of the blame.

The academics and politicians who decided putting large fences at the front of the stands cutting off the obvious escape route appear to have got off scot free

Fences removed shortly after !

[Pitre]

Ben Jk said:

sandman77 said:

Thousands of fans want into the stadium to watch the game and the police decide to open the gates and allow them all to rush into the nearest stand. Who do you think is to blame?

The fans turning up late with no tickets have to shoulder some of the blame.

I watched all five parts and it was indeed a poignant and sad production. Whilst ticketless and probably drunk fans (plus youngsters who were doubtless neither) were involved, the responsibility for their collective well-being is clearly with the police in charge of stadium safety. 97 fans died and the senior officer responsible for overall security of this event has admitted that he made mistakes but in mitigation pleaded that he was not properly trained to perform the role. Andy Burnham did a good job of getting all the evidence presented but as yet nobody has been convicted of any associated misdeed.

This isn't justice and all those supporters and their families are rightly aggrieved. I hope the new law which requires senior responsible public servants to give honest evidence to enquiries is enacted but that still won't bring justice for the 97. All fans attending large events should be very concerned.

Shame on the system of justice in the UK.