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Shock waves of a tragedy Shock waves of a tragedy
(9 minutes later)
By Jon Kelly BBC NewsBy Jon Kelly BBC News
On 15 April 1989, the Hillsborough disaster sent shock waves across Britain. At Sheffield Wednesday's stadium, 96 Liverpool fans were fatally injured in a crush during the FA Cup semi-final.On 15 April 1989, the Hillsborough disaster sent shock waves across Britain. At Sheffield Wednesday's stadium, 96 Liverpool fans were fatally injured in a crush during the FA Cup semi-final.
An official inquiry, conducted by Lord Justice Taylor, blamed poor policing and inadequate facilities. But no-one has ever been successfully prosecuted for the tragedy.An official inquiry, conducted by Lord Justice Taylor, blamed poor policing and inadequate facilities. But no-one has ever been successfully prosecuted for the tragedy.
Many survivors and bereaved family members still hope that justice will one day be done. Here, some explain how the day transformed their lives.Many survivors and bereaved family members still hope that justice will one day be done. Here, some explain how the day transformed their lives.
THE SURVIVORTHE SURVIVOR
Damian Kavanagh from Skelmersdale, Lancashire, was 20 when he was caught in the crush.Damian Kavanagh from Skelmersdale, Lancashire, was 20 when he was caught in the crush.
Before, I would have changed places with the 96 Damian Kavanagh Hillsborough: What happened? Before, I would have changed places with the 96 Damian Kavanagh Hillsborough: What happened?
We couldn't move left, right or anything. There was no help coming to us and we knew we weren't going to get any. The police were just ignoring the screams for help.We couldn't move left, right or anything. There was no help coming to us and we knew we weren't going to get any. The police were just ignoring the screams for help.
Somehow, I managed to wriggle up a little bit. I crawled over the heads of all the people, escaping through a gate in the perimeter fence.Somehow, I managed to wriggle up a little bit. I crawled over the heads of all the people, escaping through a gate in the perimeter fence.
I remember kneeling down on the pitch and getting grass stains on my knees. I broke down, started to cry, but got myself together quickly and then helped carry the injured on the advertising boards.I remember kneeling down on the pitch and getting grass stains on my knees. I broke down, started to cry, but got myself together quickly and then helped carry the injured on the advertising boards.
Afterwards, the Sun newspaper said it was our fault, which clearly it wasn't.Afterwards, the Sun newspaper said it was our fault, which clearly it wasn't.
The allegations were that the fans were pick-pocketing the dead, urinating on a policeman while he was giving the kiss of life - even repeating the allegations is hard work. They're not even believable, are they?The allegations were that the fans were pick-pocketing the dead, urinating on a policeman while he was giving the kiss of life - even repeating the allegations is hard work. They're not even believable, are they?
I just cannot describe the rage about that. It's still there and always will be.I just cannot describe the rage about that. It's still there and always will be.
Pat Joynes relflects on the death of her son Nick at HillsboroughPat Joynes relflects on the death of her son Nick at Hillsborough
It took a couple of years for me to go in and do a proper day's work.It took a couple of years for me to go in and do a proper day's work.
Inch by inch, it was a very slow process which must have been very difficult for my mum and dad to watch.Inch by inch, it was a very slow process which must have been very difficult for my mum and dad to watch.
I'd be out on the ale, having a pint with my mates, and I'd just go home crying.I'd be out on the ale, having a pint with my mates, and I'd just go home crying.
But because I've gone to counselling, because I'm a talker, that's helped me.But because I've gone to counselling, because I'm a talker, that's helped me.
I went to see an RAF psychologist as part of the legal process and inquiry. He diagnosed me with moderately severe post traumatic stress disorder. He had debriefed Gulf War veterans and said I talked about life in the same way.I went to see an RAF psychologist as part of the legal process and inquiry. He diagnosed me with moderately severe post traumatic stress disorder. He had debriefed Gulf War veterans and said I talked about life in the same way.
THE AFTERMATH Taylor Report, published in 1990, recommended all-seater stadiumsPolice criticised for poor handling of crowdsAllegations made that ticketless Liverpool fans helped cause the disasterBut Lord Taylor said: "The figures do suggest that there was not a very significant body of ticketless fans in the crowd which built up"He did criticise a small number of angry fans for assaulting police officers and spitting at them in the aftermathPolice officer in charge and deputy subject of private prosecution for manslaughter in 2000Jury could not reach verdict over former chief superintendent David DuckenfieldApplication for retrial rejectedFormer superintendent Bernard Murray acquittedTHE AFTERMATH Taylor Report, published in 1990, recommended all-seater stadiumsPolice criticised for poor handling of crowdsAllegations made that ticketless Liverpool fans helped cause the disasterBut Lord Taylor said: "The figures do suggest that there was not a very significant body of ticketless fans in the crowd which built up"He did criticise a small number of angry fans for assaulting police officers and spitting at them in the aftermathPolice officer in charge and deputy subject of private prosecution for manslaughter in 2000Jury could not reach verdict over former chief superintendent David DuckenfieldApplication for retrial rejectedFormer superintendent Bernard Murray acquitted
It's difficult to watch the telly sometimes. When the tsunami happened, I couldn't really watch it - it was the same with 9/11. It touches a raw nerve, taking us back to our own darkest of days.It's difficult to watch the telly sometimes. When the tsunami happened, I couldn't really watch it - it was the same with 9/11. It touches a raw nerve, taking us back to our own darkest of days.
My son James, who was born in 1998, has straightened me out. Before, I would have changed places with the 96. But I can't say I feel like that now because of James.My son James, who was born in 1998, has straightened me out. Before, I would have changed places with the 96. But I can't say I feel like that now because of James.
I'm not trying to big myself up. But there's a lot of people who were in my situation who can't even talk about it. I think it's important that the truth is told.I'm not trying to big myself up. But there's a lot of people who were in my situation who can't even talk about it. I think it's important that the truth is told.
It's hard to go through it over again but it has to be done so people understand what really happened.It's hard to go through it over again but it has to be done so people understand what really happened.
The lies did their job because the heads of those responsible didn't roll. You'll notice how much we want to talk about it, but now the silence is deafening from the people who said bad things about us.The lies did their job because the heads of those responsible didn't roll. You'll notice how much we want to talk about it, but now the silence is deafening from the people who said bad things about us.
The truth is on our side, so we'll never go away.The truth is on our side, so we'll never go away.
THE FATHERTHE FATHER
John Glover lost his 20-year-old son Ian at Hillsborough. A decade later, another son, Joe, who had been badly traumatised by the tragedy, was killed in an industrial accident. John co-founded the Hillsborough Justice Campaign.John Glover lost his 20-year-old son Ian at Hillsborough. A decade later, another son, Joe, who had been badly traumatised by the tragedy, was killed in an industrial accident. John co-founded the Hillsborough Justice Campaign.
I was watching the snooker on television when a newsflash came up saying there were problems at Hillsborough.I was watching the snooker on television when a newsflash came up saying there were problems at Hillsborough.
Ian Glover was among the 96 victimsIan Glover was among the 96 victims
I knew my sons were there - they used to go to see Liverpool all the time. But I thought they would be all right because they got there early.I knew my sons were there - they used to go to see Liverpool all the time. But I thought they would be all right because they got there early.
My wife took the phone call. It was my eldest son John. He said Joe and Ian had both been in the crush, and Ian had died.My wife took the phone call. It was my eldest son John. He said Joe and Ian had both been in the crush, and Ian had died.
Even now, I just can't describe how I felt.Even now, I just can't describe how I felt.
In 20 years my family has never been the same. I didn't just lose one son at Hillsborough. I lost two.In 20 years my family has never been the same. I didn't just lose one son at Hillsborough. I lost two.
For a long time, Joe slept on the grave of his dead brother.For a long time, Joe slept on the grave of his dead brother.
They said he was so traumatised he'd never work again. By 1999 he'd found a job.They said he was so traumatised he'd never work again. By 1999 he'd found a job.
Then he was crushed to death while unloading a wagon. He died pushing his friend out of the way of a five-tonne marble load and taking the weight himself.Then he was crushed to death while unloading a wagon. He died pushing his friend out of the way of a five-tonne marble load and taking the weight himself.
Hillsborough just destroyed me. For a long time I was taking Prozac tablets and lithium. I just dread anything like this happening again.Hillsborough just destroyed me. For a long time I was taking Prozac tablets and lithium. I just dread anything like this happening again.
Delores Steele: "It took six hours before we located Phillip"Delores Steele: "It took six hours before we located Phillip"
Ricky Tomlinson played me in Jimmy McGovern's TV drama about Hillsborough. I thought his performance was very good. But to be honest with you, I've never been able to watch it all the way through.Ricky Tomlinson played me in Jimmy McGovern's TV drama about Hillsborough. I thought his performance was very good. But to be honest with you, I've never been able to watch it all the way through.
I thought Lord Justice Taylor's summing up was more or less right - it was a failure of police control.I thought Lord Justice Taylor's summing up was more or less right - it was a failure of police control.
But the people responsible are still walking free.But the people responsible are still walking free.
I don't know whether justice will ever be done. But I have to keep fighting for my sons. I just want the truth.I don't know whether justice will ever be done. But I have to keep fighting for my sons. I just want the truth.
THE COUPLETHE COUPLE
Kenny Derbyshire, 42, and Wendy White, 43, were both at Hillsborough. They have been together for two-and-a-half years.Kenny Derbyshire, 42, and Wendy White, 43, were both at Hillsborough. They have been together for two-and-a-half years.
Wendy: I was in the front row of the stand above where it all happened. I had a bird's eye view.Wendy: I was in the front row of the stand above where it all happened. I had a bird's eye view.
We saw a lad about 12 or 13 down below and I shouted: "Get him out of there." My friend managed to pull him out. Others started pulling up people to try and help them.We saw a lad about 12 or 13 down below and I shouted: "Get him out of there." My friend managed to pull him out. Others started pulling up people to try and help them.
Kenny Derbyshire and Wendy White were brought together by the disasterKenny Derbyshire and Wendy White were brought together by the disaster
I went into shock afterwards. I'd be shaking quite a lot. The worst bit was when someone at work tried to tell me what had happened.I went into shock afterwards. I'd be shaking quite a lot. The worst bit was when someone at work tried to tell me what had happened.
They said: "It was just the fans trying to get in." I was stunned.They said: "It was just the fans trying to get in." I was stunned.
Looking back, I think I would have benefited from counselling. But it was difficult to acknowledge that someone else is going to know how to help you.Looking back, I think I would have benefited from counselling. But it was difficult to acknowledge that someone else is going to know how to help you.
I'd been brought up to believe in authority, but they couldn't acknowledge what had happened. I became very cynical.I'd been brought up to believe in authority, but they couldn't acknowledge what had happened. I became very cynical.
I went to an away game and I saw someone in a Hillsborough Justice Campaign T-shirt. Through getting involved I met Kenny.I went to an away game and I saw someone in a Hillsborough Justice Campaign T-shirt. Through getting involved I met Kenny.
I felt as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders because I could talk to somebody.I felt as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders because I could talk to somebody.
Kenny: I was pulled up into the stands where Wendy was, although I didn't know her at the time.Kenny: I was pulled up into the stands where Wendy was, although I didn't know her at the time.
I sometimes wonder about the fella who pulled me up: whether he's still alive and what happened to him.I sometimes wonder about the fella who pulled me up: whether he's still alive and what happened to him.
You just couldn't get away from it. It was with you 24/7.You just couldn't get away from it. It was with you 24/7.
My performance dropped at work. Two months afterwards I was given my redundancy. I was unemployed for two years.My performance dropped at work. Two months afterwards I was given my redundancy. I was unemployed for two years.
Some fans managed to escape onto a tier above the main crushSome fans managed to escape onto a tier above the main crush
What [Sun editor Kelvin] Mackenzie wrote stunned the whole of Liverpool. We're still stung today by the lies he wrote.What [Sun editor Kelvin] Mackenzie wrote stunned the whole of Liverpool. We're still stung today by the lies he wrote.
Those 96 people lost their lives, and it's hard to believe that they can't get the justice they deserve.Those 96 people lost their lives, and it's hard to believe that they can't get the justice they deserve.
One day we'll get justice. Maybe when we do get justice, the pain will go away.One day we'll get justice. Maybe when we do get justice, the pain will go away.
But I did meet Wendy. We used to meet for a cup of tea. We became best friends.But I did meet Wendy. We used to meet for a cup of tea. We became best friends.
She knows what I'm going through and I know what she's going through. In the past, I'd mention it to girlfriends, but they wouldn't understand.She knows what I'm going through and I know what she's going through. In the past, I'd mention it to girlfriends, but they wouldn't understand.
We've just got a house together and we're getting married next year. That's the only good thing to come out of Hillsborough.We've just got a house together and we're getting married next year. That's the only good thing to come out of Hillsborough.
Send us your comments using the form below.Send us your comments using the form below.
I am a Man United fan and was caught in a crush trying to get in the Leppings Lane end at a semi-final four years earlier. It was a frightening experience but we were treated like scum by the police and stewards who were not able to cope. What happened in '89 was a terrible accident waiting to happen but no lessons were learned after '85. As a football fan with no particular love for LFC, my heart goes out to the families and friends of the bereaved and to the survivors. There is no place for club rivalry in the face of such horrific events affecting ordinary football-loving people.Brian Leyland, Wrexham UKI am a Man United fan and was caught in a crush trying to get in the Leppings Lane end at a semi-final four years earlier. It was a frightening experience but we were treated like scum by the police and stewards who were not able to cope. What happened in '89 was a terrible accident waiting to happen but no lessons were learned after '85. As a football fan with no particular love for LFC, my heart goes out to the families and friends of the bereaved and to the survivors. There is no place for club rivalry in the face of such horrific events affecting ordinary football-loving people.Brian Leyland, Wrexham UK
I was at Hillsborough both in '88 and '89, same day, same team. '88 was perfect into the ground, '89 was chaos. I was crushed against the turnstiles going in and three men managed to push me through. Me and my mate where halfway down the tunnel when he decided he wanted something to eat so we walked back out. We stood and watched as gate C was opened and hundreds poured through, straight down the tunnel. We made our way around the side of the ground back towards the centre of the goal. What I saw there will never leave me. I try not to think about it or talk about it too much as the images in my head are still so vivid. I was lucky when so many never made it home that day.Richard, Wirral, England
Regardless of what football team you support you can't help to feel deeply saddened at what happened. The silver lining of this cloud is that lessons were learnt and it hasn't happened since in the UK. We have much better quality stadiums that for most leagues are all seated, no fencing and the quality of policing and stewarding has dramatically improved. Going to football games is a much safer experience now.Alex, Birmingham, UK
My son was at the front and suffered back injuries. However the greatest injury was to his mind he has spent the past 20 years in and out of hospital. He lost a promising career. My son went to Hillsborough but a different lad came home. We still live with its effects and the loss and pain.Jacquline Tully, WiganMy son was at the front and suffered back injuries. However the greatest injury was to his mind he has spent the past 20 years in and out of hospital. He lost a promising career. My son went to Hillsborough but a different lad came home. We still live with its effects and the loss and pain.Jacquline Tully, Wigan
It is shocking that 20 years on no-one has been held accountable for the decisions taken that day that led to the deaths of 96 innocent football fans. I was 18 at the time and 20 years after the Taylor Report was implemented, Northern Ireland's football venues have still to benefit from it. Alex, Belfast
My best friend was at Hillsborough, he was one of the Forest fans who helped by using advertising hoardings as makeshift stretchers. He still can't talk about that day and has never been to Hillsborough since.Steve, Nottingham
I was working as an RGN in Doncaster on the fateful day, the first we heard was when we were told to expect transfers from Sheffield hospitals making room for the injured. We then all gathered round the TVs to watch the tragedy as it unfolded. Several of our staff had family members at the match.Trish Randall, Palm Bay, Florida
As the match was not being televised, the kick off should have been delayed. I've been at games when that has happened - if there are roadworks, a late supporters' train or whatever. Delaying the KO would have eased the push from outside since fans would have had more time to get in safely. The police chief and the referee should have made this decision.Gordon, Glasgow
Why would prosecuting the police help anyone? I understand that families of the 96 want justice, but at the end of the day it wouldn't help anyone by prosecuting individuals. Any policeman involved will have lived with what happened all these years and that is a terrible burden to bear.Emma, Manchester
If the crush barriers were not up to standard why use Hillsborough for the match? Why not use a ground more suitable for an event such as this?Dave Pritchard, CoventryIf the crush barriers were not up to standard why use Hillsborough for the match? Why not use a ground more suitable for an event such as this?Dave Pritchard, Coventry
Mr Pritchard, all grounds at the time were of this general type. It could have happened anywhere. The problem wasn't so much the crush barriers as it was the great wire pens around the stands that prevented anybody getting out.Ian Hampson, Manchester
I was only nine, sitting at home excited about seeing Liverpool in an FA Cup semi-final, then some of the worst images I have ever seen were broadcast. It brought a tear to my eye then and it still does. The tragedy will never be forgotten.Kevin, GuildfordI was only nine, sitting at home excited about seeing Liverpool in an FA Cup semi-final, then some of the worst images I have ever seen were broadcast. It brought a tear to my eye then and it still does. The tragedy will never be forgotten.Kevin, Guildford
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