Hillsborough: Twenty Year Remembrance

Raftastic · May 12, 2009

Open letter -Tim Vickery to WSD

Sorry MODS if there is allready a thread concerning StephenCohen and his sladerous lies please feel free to move this (i do feel that it is a stand alone post though)

Sent to WSD by Tim Vickery

I have sent the following to Steven Cohen with the request that it be posted on the World Soccer Daily website as an open letter to stimulate debate;

Steven,
You complain of receiving death threats as a consequence of comments you made about the Hillsbrough disaster. Such threats are clearly to be condemned. But I really think - and advise you in the strongest possible terms - to reconsider your position on this issue.

The strength of feeling on this issue is incredibly high even after all these years, and it’s no wonder. You have to bear in mind the poison that the people of Liverpool have had to put up with on this issue - especially the campaign of the Sun newspaper at the time. The low point was reached with the accusation that these sub-human Liverpudlians had been urinating over other fans - when in fact this was an involuntary action of people who were being crushed to death. You have been placed in this camp - the camp of poisonous liars who seek to profit from populist bashing of the people of Liverpool.

I don’t believe you belong in this camp - indeed the spirit of this open letter is to try and win you over, since there is no issue in football more important than fan safety. As a football community we need to come together on this one, and I don’t believe that you are on the side of the villains.
But I do think you need to think about your opinion that Hillsbrough was a case of ‘shared responsibility.’ You will say that you have a right to an opinion - but that opinion has to be in line with the facts as they have been established.

As I understand it, your ’shared responsibility’ idea is based on the existence of ticketless fans. I expect there were some. Every week in the Maracana I see fans jumping over fences to try and get in without tickets. Does that make them killers?
Furthermore, it seems that ticketless fans were not a factor in the tragedy - because the problem was not so much one of over-capacity, but of bad distribution of fans. There was space available at the sides - but the way the fans entered forced too many through the middle.

But even if there were ticketless fans, this does not alter the principal fact. Responsibility goes with power. The more power you have, the more responsibility. The organisers of the event had the responsibility to ensure the safety of those who attended. That means - and this is absolutely basic - cordoning off the area, restricting access to control the flow of fans. The fact that this did not take place properly is to me a damning indictment of organisational incompetence.
To my mind the furthest that anyone can go on the ‘shared responsibility’ idea is as follows - English football, as a whole, had developed a culture whereby he most vital part of fan safety had been forgotten. With all the focus on violence what got overlooked was the fact that the mere presence of so many people in a restricted space is in itself a threat to their safety. But there were people at Hillsbrough being paid to deal with this problem. Their failure to carry out their duties with minimal competence seems to me to be the overwhelming cause of the tragedy

So I urge you to rethink your position on this vital issue. Don’t allow yourself to be associated with the lies of The Sun. Remember, we’re not only fighting battles of the past here - crowds automatically mean danger. While we are blaming fans we are giving the authorities an excuse for bad crowd control - and that can be fatal.
Tim Vickery

As far as I am aware, this has not been put up on the website - you have my authorisation to publish this open letter on any website of other publication that you see fit.

I would like to add that the appearances i make on the programme are unpaid. But also, though I've never met him personaly, he doesn't seem to me to be a bad bloke. He has said some very silly things - in this case it's no real excuse, but it can be easy to let your mouth run away with you on radio. I would like to think that he can be won over - this really was the point of the letter. Not just for the 96, but for all other potential victims of criminally inept crowd control, I think there's more to be gained from dialogue within the community of football fans than any other course of action. Can we win him over with the force of debate?

Cheers,
Tim
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I feel the need to put this out in the open under Tims instruction,please don't turn this into a flaming thread allthough the question has to be asked as to why Steve decided not to publish this letter on the WSD site especially when you take into consideration Tim specifically asked him to and the fact that Tim is one of Steves top contibutors and the fact Tim pads out Mr.Cohens show all for the pricely sum of nothing.

Raftastic · May 12, 2009

Re: Open letter -Tim Vickery to WSD

WoodYinCu over on the WSD bigsoccer forum has just pointed out that Mr.Cohen has now posted the letter half way down his frontpage,it's just a shame that it took Tims placing the letter into the public domain to force the WSD folks to acknowledge that said letter existed.

Tankyou Tim Vickery.

CCSC_STRIKER20 · May 12, 2009

Re: Open letter -Tim Vickery to WSD

Thanks for posting the letter!

Maybe the mods can move this into the Hillsborough thread. I have always liked reading Vickery's columns.

CCSC_STRIKER20 · May 12, 2009

LFC Legends Ready To Play In Memorial Match

KENNY DALGLISH put his fellow Liverpool legends through their paces at Melwood yesterday and declared them ready for action.

With just a few hours to go until Thursday night’s Hillsborough Memorial Game, Dalglish staged a practice session at Liverpool’s training ground and was delighted to see his team come through with a hard-fought and narrow victory over a Melwood select team.

“It’s always best to go into a game on the back of a victory and we’ve had a good win,” he said.

“But the lads play regularly – it’s only the likes of myself that doesn’t play too regularly. I think now everyone is just looking forward to getting out there on Thursday.

“The camaraderie is brilliant so everyone is really looking forward to it and I’m sure it will be a good game.”

Yesterday, Dalglish brought together some of the older members of his Liverpool legends squad with the likes of Ian Rush, Jan Molby, Ronnie Whelan, Gary Gillespie and Mark Lawrenson and Reds reserve team manager Gary Ablett joining him in a six-a-side squad. Their typically crisp passing and movement suggested there is not much work to be done ahead of the big game against an all-stars team.

Dalglish’s squad will also be supplemented by the likes of Robbie Fowler, Steve McManaman and Gary McAllister on the night.

The game at Anfield is in aid of the Marina Dalglish Appeal and is also a tribute to the 96 Liverpool fans who lost their lives at Hillsborough 20 years ago.

“It’s for a fantastic cause as we try to build a new radiotherapy centre that will serve the people of Merseyside and it is also in memory of the Hillsborough victims,” added Dalglish.

“It’s a win-win situation for everyone – we get the enjoyment of playing at Anfield and the people who come along get the satisfaction of knowing that every penny raised will go to the radiotherapy unit.”

Gillespie, who impressed in the warm-up match in a more advanced role, was happy with the way the session went and now cannot wait for the real action to begin.

“It was really enjoyable and the lads did OK,” said the former Liverpool centre-back.

“Thursday should be a wonderful occasion.”
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Rush Backing Hillsborough Match

"In 1989, in the FA Cup final, the city united and I'm sure they can do that again on Thursday.

"We are looking to unite the city for the Marina Dalglish fund."
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Shearer Signs For All-Stars

"I'm really looking forward to the game and am delighted to help such a brilliant cause," said Shearer.

"Having spent time in Merseyside during my spell at Blackburn Rovers, I know how important Hillsborough is to the people there."

Shearer will join up with the likes of Teddy Sheringham, Mike Newell, Alan Irvine, Nigel Clough, Des Walker, Dave Watson, Alan Stubbs, Trevor Steven and Graham Stuart as well as celebrities such as boxer Joe Calzaghe, Westlife's Nicky Byrne, singer Craig David and Blue Peter presenter Gethin Jones.
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Marina Dalglish - Memorial Match Is For The Families

"We want to show how much we appreciate the support of the families and how much we admire them for what they're doing.

"The 20th anniversary has just brought everything back. If it was my child who had died in the disaster, I'd be doing exactly the same as them and I'd fight until my last breath to get the truth about what happened at Hillsborough.

"When I saw the families straight after Hillsborough, they were obviously upset because they had lost people, but with everything else that went on in the aftermath, such as trying to find the bodies of their loved ones and the way they were treated by the police and the press, with all the lies that were written and innuendos that were made, it finished them off.

"It was horrendous to see people suffering like that and all you can do is admire the families for what they've done since.

"They just want to know the truth and I don't think they will rest until someone holds their hands up and admits they did something wrong."

She continued: "A lot of the families will be there on Thursday, and while it's obviously going to be good for the charity, I also think it's a really good way for us to show our appreciation and admiration for the families and how much we feel for them.

"Obviously we're going to remember the 96 people who died, but it's important to remember the families who were left behind.

"You can only have respect for what they've done and we want them to know we are right behind them."

Marina also revealed there will be an emotional climax to the occasion.

"After the game, we'll have Ian McCulloch, Craig David, Nicky Byrne and the Hillsborough Family Support Group singing 'You'll Never Walk Alone', so it would be great if everyone could stay behind and join in," she added.
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Kenny Signs Up Gerrard At Melwood Trip

"Stevie Gerrard is going to be our Guest of Honour on the night," Dalglish told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"He's going to come down and lend his support and he'll be introduced to everybody before the game."
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RUSH - Playing At Anfield Again Is A Real Buzz

IT’S now just two days before I get to play at Anfield once again and already I can’t wait.

It is such a special place for me and it holds such wonderful memories that just the thought of running out there once again is giving me a massive buzz.

The fact that I will be playing in memory of the 96 Liverpool fans who died at Hillsborough and also to try and raise funds for a wonderful cause like the Marina Dalglish appeal makes it even more special.

Knowing Kenny like I do I’m sure he will be wanting to win and hopefully it will be another special Anfield occasion.
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CCSC_STRIKER20 · May 14, 2009

Re: Open letter -Tim Vickery to WSD

According to the Bill Archer blog on BS, a number of WSD sponsors are pulling their sponsorships. This includes FourRFourTwo magazine, World Soccer Shop, and Fado's Pub.

Setanta may also join the boycott of the turd sandwich that goes by the name of Steven Cohen.

Twenty26Six · May 14, 2009

Re: Open letter -Tim Vickery to WSD

CCSC_STRIKER20 said: ↑

According to the Bill Archer blog on BS, a number of WSD sponsors are pulling their sponsorships. This includes FourRFourTwo magazine, World Soccer Shop, and Fado's Pub.

Setanta may also join the boycott of the turd sandwich that goes by the name of Steven Cohen.
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Link?

Fnarf · May 14, 2009

http://www.prostamerika.com/sounder...pts-over-stephen-cohens-hillsborough-remarks/

CCSC_STRIKER20 · May 14, 2009

Re: Open letter -Tim Vickery to WSD

Twenty26Six said: ↑

Link?
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https://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/blog.php?b=5275

And here's Ollie Irish's thoughts on Cohen

https://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/blog.php?b=4964

The purpose of this boycott was to apologize on-air. However, he is refusing to do so, so it might be the end of him and the vile that he spews day in and day out.

CCSC_STRIKER20 · May 14, 2009

Re: Open letter -Tim Vickery to WSD

Dalglish On Target As Legends Triumph

erpool Legends rolled back the years to secure a 3-1 victory over the All Stars in the Hillsborough Memorial Game at Anfield.
A goal in each half from Ian Rush and John Aldridge put Kenny Dalglish's side into a commanding lead.

Teddy Sheringham pulled a goal back for the All Stars, but Dalglish put the seal on a fine win for the Legends with a late strike in front of the Kop.

Over 20,000 turned up in support of the game, which was staged in aid of the Marina Dalglish Appeal, with monies raised going towards the building of a new radiotherapy centre at Aintree hospital.

The Legends started the game with many a Kopite's dream attacking trio - Dalglish, Aldridge and Rush.

Meanwhile, for the All Stars - who were managed by Ricky Tomlinson, Kop icon Phil Thompson and Reds' current vice-captain Jamie Carragher - Nigel Clough partnered Sheringham in attack, while interim Newcastle United boss Alan Shearer was named amongst the substitutes.

Before kick-off, members of the Hillsborough Family Support Group were introduced to the two teams as they lined-up, as well as the evening's Guest of Honour, and newly crowned Football Writers' Footballer of the Year, Steven Gerrard.

The game got off to a cagey start, but, after five minutes, Rush fired an early effort over the bar. At the other end, Sheringham saw a free-kick deflected over before Alan Hansen out-witted former Coronation Street actor Bradley Walsh on the edge of his own box.

It was a moment of sheer class, but things could have turned pear-shaped for Jockey soon after as he nodded Sheringham's centre narrowly wide of his own goal moments after.

Unsurprisingly, the former Manchester United striker was greeted by a chorus of boos each time he touched the ball.

The Legends nearly opened up their opponents after a quarter of an hour when a slick passing move involving Aldridge and Dalglish almost created an opening for Rush, but the All Stars were able to scramble clear.

Ricky Tomlinson's men made an early change on 19 minutes, with Shearer and Reds fan DJ Spooney replacing Walsh and Clough.

Shearer was afford a warm reception by the Kop, but, as they did just under two weeks ago, the chant of 'You should have stayed on the telly' rang out around the stadium in the direction of the former Match of the Day pundit.

The Legends almost opened the scoring shortly after as Steve McMahon released Aldridge in the area, however his effort was blocked by the on-rushing goalkeeper Bobby Mimms, and Rush was unable to turn the rebound over the line.

Four substitutions were made by the Kop idols as Mark Lawrenson, Michael Thomas, Jan Molby and Peter Beardsley took over from Hansen, Gillespie, Dalglish and McMahon.

Thomas was in the thick of the action instantly and his low cross to the edge of the area saw Ray Houghton drill a snap-volley just over the crossbar.

Then, another cross, this time from Staunton, picked out Rush in the centre. Liverpool's all-time record goalscorer hooked the ball into the path of Aldridge, who was only just off target with a first time strike.

The deadlock was finally broken on 28 minutes as Aldridge met Beardsley's searching cross with a powerful downward header. Mimms was able to claw the ball away, but Rush proved that his predatory instincts have not diminished over time as he typically arrived dead on cue to tap home from close-range.

The All Stars should have cancelled the goal out seconds later as Spooney swung in an inviting ball that Sheringham somehow managed to head wide from inches out, much to the Kop's pleasure.

Tomlinson and co. brought on singer Craig David and former Everton centre-back Alan Stubbs, who, again, was given a jeer or two from those gathered inside Anfield.

The defender was millimetres from drawing the All Stars level with his first touch, however, with a low drive from the edge of the box.

The rain then began to sweep across the stadium, bringing Beardsley's jinking run to an abrupt halt as he skidded across the turf.

The Geordie playmaker clipped a cheeky chipped effort wide on 38 minutes as Jamie Redknapp and Gary McAllister were introduced to the action by Dalglish, and given a rapturous ovation.

The same could not be said, however, for former Soccer AM presenter Tim Lovejoy and boos soon turned to cheers as Craig David's audacious shot from 25-yards sailed into the Kop.

Profligacy continued to reign for the All Stars and Shearer glanced a header wide when he perhaps should have scored three minutes prior to half-time, before an efficient move presented Lovejoy with a golden opportunity, but he somehow managed to shoot wide with the goal gaping.

Both sides made changes during the interval and, five minutes after the re-start, Redknapp called Mimms into action with a ranging 20-yard strike that the former Blackburn stopper repelled at full-stretch.

The Legends did not have to wait much longer to double their advantage though, as Aldridge nodded home on 53 minutes.

A sweeping move saw Don Hutchison release McAllister into space on the right hand side of the box. The Scot's cross to the back post was, as you'd expect, expertly delivered and Aldridge turned the ball over the line from three-yards.

Almost instantly, Mike Newell spurned a great chance to pull one back as he side-footed wide from the penalty spot.

Then, Lawrenson cleared Stuart Barlow's effort away from goal following a corner and Craig David drifted an attempt harmlessly wide.

The subs continued to come and comedian John Bishop was handed a run out by Dalglish soon after. It's fair to say the Liverpool fan is used to making large audiences laugh, but he probably never expected to have the entire Kop in stitches.

That he did, though, with a blatant display of simulation, or dive if you prefer, that saw him issued a yellow card by referee Chris Foy.

With twenty minutes remaining on the Anfield scoreboard, Westlife songster Nicky Byrne clipped a long-range free-kick just over before the All Stars pulled a goal back through Sheringham.

Collecting Barlow's pass just inside the box, the ex-England man looped a trademark attempt over Bob Boulder, before making a beeline to celebrate in front of the Kop.

The cry of 'Stand up for the 96' soon went up around the ground, with even those in the directors' box showing their support.

The legends reunited Dalglish and Rush for the dying moments and the evening was capped in perfect fashion as the former was gifted possession by Stubbs inside the area before slipping the ball into the net at the Kop end.

Echo and the Bunnymen singer Ian McCulloch took to the field at the end for an emotional rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone in tribute to those who lost their lives at the Hillsborough disaster.

Liverpool legends: Paul Harrison, Gary Ablett, Steve Staunton, Gary Gillespie, Ronnie Whelan, Alan Hansen, Kenny Dalglish, John Aldridge, Ian Rush, Ray Houghton, Steve McMahon.

Subs: Jan Molby, Bob Bolder, Mark Lawrenson, Don Hutchison, Nicky Byrne, Peter Beardsley, Jamie Redknapp, Steve McManaman, Gay McAllister, Gethin Jones, Michael Thomas, Dean Lennox Kelly, John Bishop.

All Stars: Bobby Mimms, Viv Anderson, Steve Hodge, Des Walker, Dave Watson, Paul Bracewell, Trevor Steven, Graham Stuart, Nigel Clough, Teddy Sheringham, Bradley Walsh.

Subs: Alan Irvine, Mike Newell, Stuart Barlow, Alan Stubbs, Craig David, Tim Lovejoy, Alan Shearer, Spoony, Craig Lennox Kelly, Jonathan Wilkes.
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CCSC_STRIKER20 · May 14, 2009

Re: Open letter -Tim Vickery to WSD

Lawro - Kopites Are Sensational

Mark Lawrenson paid tribute to the 'sensational' Liverpool fans after 20,332 turned out for the Hillsborough Memorial Game.
The former Kop defender returned to his old stomping ground to help Liverpool Legends to a 3-1 victory over Ricky Tomlinson's All Star side.

"The crowd was sensational," said Lawro, whose side triumphed after goals from Ian Rush, John Aldridge and Kenny Dalglish. "The numbers here on a miserable night - incredible.

"They've come out to see all the old players from some of the great teams. And the thing is, they remember everybody. The fans here are outstanding."

The game brought Lawro up against fellow TV pundit Alan Shearer.

"I was glad when Shearer was substituted and cleared off back up the A1 to Newcastle - he was a bit too quick for me," added Lawro.

Meanwhile, Jamie Carragher admitted his role as assistant to Tomlinson was a learning curve.

He explained: "I've learnt a lot from Ricky - his teamtalk was superb at half-time. There was a lot of swearing. Rafa is a lot cooler and calmer on the bench.

"You realise that once the boys go out on the pitch there's not a lot you can do."

Proceeds from the clash go to the Marina Dalglish Appeal, which is raising cash for a new Radiotherapy Unit at University Hospital in Aintree.
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King Kenny - Thank You Merseyside

Kenny Dalglish spoke of his pride after a star cast of celebrities and Kop greats turned out for his Hillsborough Memorial Game in front of 20,000 at Anfield.
Dalglish's legends beat Ricky Tomlinson's All Stars 3-1 on a night organised to raise funds for the Marina Dalglish Appeal.

"It has been fantastic - a great occasion and great for the people of Merseyside," said the King, who found himself on the scoresheet alongside John Aldridge and Ian Rush.

"It was a fantastic response from the people to two great causes - helping to get a bit of justice for the Hillsborough Family Support Group and raising money for the Marina Dalglish Appeal.

"The whole occasion - well it was fantastic for all the lads to give up their time. People like Alan Shearer coming down when he's got a massive game at the weekend - brilliant. I want to thank him and all the other guys."

Steven Gerrard was guest of honour on the night, while Jamie Carragher acted as assistant to Tomlinson.

"It's fantastic to have Steven here and also Jamie," added Dalglish.

"Liverpool is a family. These boys are part of that. It's great the way they conduct themselves and the respect and love they have for this club. Rafa was here as well and came in the dressing room before with Sammy Lee."

On wearing the No.7 shirt in front of the Kop once more, Dalglish said: "I really enjoyed it. Every footballer loves to kick the ball, and especially here at Anfield. Everyone who has played here wants to come back and play again.

"I think I could have pipped Gerrard for Footballer of the Year on that performance!"

The Marina Dalglish Appeal is raising cash for a new Radiotherapy Unit at University Hospital in Aintree.
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usscouse · May 14, 2009

Re: Open letter -Tim Vickery to WSD

Thanks for keeping on updating this thread, I feel that it's important to keep what is giing on fresh.
As to the "Cohen Affair" Seems Mr Cohen has painted himself into a corner that he can't back out of. I for one would like to see this person out of this job, Surely there are better and more informed people who can do this without the small minded insults.

What was disturbing was the few people who responded as if this was some some of UK/US war and a few Brits (Liverpool fans) were picking on Cohen and that he had "a right to his opinion"
It's not an opinion folks, it's the truth vs the spreading of lies.

We on our board have a great mix of posters from all over the football world and have a lot respect for each other. The silly eurosnob and Uncle Sams Idiots name calling can stay on the other boards.

CCSC_STRIKER20 · May 14, 2009

Re: Open letter -Tim Vickery to WSD

usscouse said: ↑

It's not an opinion folks, it's the truth vs the spreading of lies.
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That sentence says it all. It's the essence of the fight for the truth and justice for the 96.

Cohen is undoubtedly going down (figuratively to hell, literally out of a job). He is refusing to back down. His program is losing sponsorships and listeners because he is an idiotic and indecent person.

CCSC_STRIKER20 · May 16, 2009

Re: Open letter -Tim Vickery to WSD

BARRETT - Play Your Part And Support Hillsborough Justice Campaign

THE 20th anniversary of Hillsborough has resulted in the fight for justice for the 96 victims of British football’s worst ever disaster being reinvigorated.

All of a sudden there are no shortage of politicians, media commentators and people in general who believe that the campaign for justice is one which deserves their backing.

It would be easy to question the motives of some of those who have discovered a conscience 20 years on but that would be to miss a glaring opportunity as for the first time since the tragedy there is a genuine chance that public pressure could result in the truth of what happened on April 15, 1989, finally being known.

As such, all support should be welcomed because the more people who let the government know that they will not rest until justice is done the more chance there is of it actually happening.

For the people of Liverpool – where there are five Labour MPs – the best way this government can win back the favour they seem hell bent on losing would be to finally produce some sort of justice for the 96.

With the 20th anniversary coinciding with the very moment that a serving government is at its lowest ebb means that a unique opportunity has been missed so if anything can be done to aid the ongoing battle now is the time to do it.

Even if campaigning and sparring with politicians isn’t really your thing, there are still ways you can help to try and heal one of this country’s biggest wounds.

An online petition calling on the government to further investigate what happened at Hillsborough has been set up and it has already collected 11,000 signatures.

The website address is http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/lfcdisaster/ and it only takes a few seconds to go online and add your name.

Similarly, Liverpool fan Helen Boyle has collected the names of 78,000 people who are willing to join a proposed march for justice on June 20.

By adding your name at http://www.m4j.co.uk/ you could play your part in turning the demand for justice into a command.
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frasermc · May 19, 2009

From Brian Glanville in his monthly column in World Soccer -

"Titter ye not!" as Frankie Howerd would say. The ineffable home secretary Jacqui Smith, emerging from the cupboard in her sister's house, and her own residence, has at last done something decent: she has ordered the release, 10 years in advance, of the hitherto secret documents on the Hillsborough disaster of 20 years ago.

How strongly one sympathised with the thousands who thronged to Anfield to commemorate, if that is the word, the occurence of a surely avoidable disaster.

No, I wasn't there that day. The Sunday Times had assigned me to the other semi-final, at Villa Park. But, I am sure like countless others, I was haunted and emotionally overwhelmed by the cruel horror of it all - above all, four days later at San Siro, in the minutes before a European Cup game, when the ranks of the Milan supporters nobly sang You'll Never Walk Alone. It was impossible not to break down.

That the police failed the Liverpool supporters, and later compounded this with their vile attempt to tarnish them, is beyond doubt. But, for me, it is surprising to note that one truly salient point about it all has seemingly been neglected. That is to say, why was the inept Chief Superintendent David Duckenfield - who "froze" in the damning words of Lord Justice Taylor in his report - ever put in charge at all?

That he made a terrible fiasco of the job, that he opened an entrance which should always have been kept closed, is beyond dispute. Yet surely one needs to go one above him; to the officer responsible for appointing him, inexperienced as he was in such matters, in the first place. This, as reported at the time, because there had been some embarrassing horseplay in the Sheffield force, for which the officer in charge of the corresponding semi-final a year earlier, between the same two teams, had been guilty and suspended from his projected role in charge at Hillsborough.

Perhaps we shall at last know more about this when those pages are revealed. Let us hope this revelation will do a little to assuage the dreadful pain of those who lost loved ones at the disaster.

CCSC_STRIKER20 · May 21, 2009

Re: Open letter -Tim Vickery to WSD

May 20, 1989

Liverpool dedicated their fourth FA Cup final triumph to those who lost their lives in the Hillsborough disaster after seeing off Everton in a five-goal thriller at Wembley on this day in 1989.

The Reds had barely come to terms with the tragic events of five weeks earlier when they ran out at Wembley hoping to repeat the 1986 success that saw them defeat the Blues to lift the Cup.

It was an emotional occasion and they got off to the best possible start when John Aldridge marked his 100th game for the club with a goal after just four minutes.

It looked like being the match-winning strike until substitute Stuart McCall levelled late on to take the game into extra-time.

Reds sub Ian Rush then put Liverpool ahead before McCall hit his second of the match to make it 2-2 and become the first player to come off the bench and score a brace in an FA Cup final.

But Rush wasn't to be outdone and he fired in his second of the match on 103 minutes to clinch an epic 3-2aet win for the Reds.

CCSC_STRIKER20 · May 21, 2009

Re: Open letter -Tim Vickery to WSD

I hate to keep bringing up the douche bag, media whore Cohen, but there is an official statement from the club.

Reds Condemn Hillsborough Radio Lies

"Liverpool Football Club totally condemns the comments regarding the Hillsborough disaster made by the radio and TV broadcaster Steve Cohen.

"Mr Cohen has obviously never taken the time to read the Taylor Report which stated clearly that ticketless fans were not a contributory factor or responsible for the events of that day.

"To use the 20th anniversary of the disaster to repeat false claims about Liverpool fans (which Mr Cohen first broadcast and then apologised for in 2006) is even more unacceptable."
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Fussballer · May 21, 2009

Re: Open letter -Tim Vickery to WSD

usscouse said: ↑

Thanks for keeping on updating this thread, I feel that it's important to keep what is giing on fresh.
As to the "Cohen Affair" Seems Mr Cohen has painted himself into a corner that he can't back out of. I for one would like to see this person out of this job, Surely there are better and more informed people who can do this without the small minded insults.

What was disturbing was the few people who responded as if this was some some of UK/US war and a few Brits (Liverpool fans) were picking on Cohen and that he had "a right to his opinion"
It's not an opinion folks, it's the truth vs the spreading of lies.

We on our board have a great mix of posters from all over the football world and have a lot respect for each other. The silly eurosnob and Uncle Sams Idiots name calling can stay on the other boards.
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While I do watch Fox Football Fone-in and occasionally listen to World Football Daily, I find Cohen's stance on Hillsborough to be quite delusional and uninformed. I was unaware of his original comments made in '06 (I was in England at the time) only until recently. He has a knack for shooting his mouth off, but he put a grenade in it and now it's exploding. Can he not rise above his hatred of LFC and see things as they were? While I loathe Scum Utd, I would never make any jokes about the '58 plane crash. I do believe in freedom of speech, but I also believe that there are enough right-minded people out there who will tune out his delusions, and he'll be forced to eventually go away like most nutters do. If there was one redeeming quality about him, it was his attacks against his fav club Chelski which I found hilarious and spot on. However, until he retracts his statements about Hillsborough, I will tune him out.

Naughtius Maximus · May 21, 2009

Re: Open letter -Tim Vickery to WSD

Fussballer said: ↑

If there was one redeeming quality about him, it was his attacks against his fav club Chelski which I found hilarious and spot on.
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HEY! Don't bring us into this... we think the guy's a total knob-head as well.

The point about Hillsborough and the lies that were told is that they're an attack on ALL football supporters. Don't forget, after Heysel it wasn't just Liverpool that were banned and it wouldn't have made any difference if it was Chelsea, manU or any other football supporters that died on that day. 'The Scum' would have printed lies about it and arseholes like this Cohen idiot would have been spewing their bile so as far as I'm concerned it's very much an issue of the 'football family' having to stick together on these things.

liverbird · May 21, 2009

Re: Open letter -Tim Vickery to WSD

Andy Bennett said: ↑

HEY! Don't bring us into this... we think the guy's a total knob-head as well.

The point about Hillsborough and the lies that were told is that they're an attack on ALL football supporters. Don't forget, after Heysel it wasn't just Liverpool that were banned and it wouldn't have made any difference if it was Chelsea, manU or any other football supporters that died on that day. 'The Scum' would have printed lies about it and arseholes like this Cohen idiot would have been spewing their bile so as far as I'm concerned it's very much an issue of the 'football family' having to stick together on these things.
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Perfectly stated. You are a gentleman and a scholar. Poor choice of football team though

Naughtius Maximus · May 21, 2009

Re: Open letter -Tim Vickery to WSD

liverbird said: ↑

Perfectly stated. You are a gentleman and a scholar. Poor choice of football team though
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Nobody's perfect! Well, except Frank Lampard, obviously

I keeed, I keeed

liverbird · May 21, 2009

Re: Open letter -Tim Vickery to WSD

Andy Bennett said: ↑

Nobody's perfect! Well, except Frank Lampard, obviously

I keeed, I keeed
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If you are selling eel pies!

(as in "who ate all the ....")

el-capitano · May 21, 2009

Re: Open letter -Tim Vickery to WSD

The Facts About The Hillsborough Tragedy

To dispel his myths, here are the facts:

1. “The immediate cause of the gross overcrowding and hence the disaster was the failure, when gate C was opened, to cut off access to the central pens which were already overfull,” — The Interim Taylor Report, paragraph 265.

2. “Planning apart, however, it should have been clear in the control room where there was a view of the pens and of the crowd at the turnstiles that the tunnel had to be closed. If orders had been given to that effect when gate C was opened, the fans could have been directed to the empty areas of the wings and this disaster could still have been avoided. Failure to give that order was a blunder of the first magnitude,” — The Interim Taylor Report, paragraph 231.

3. “I have already found that there was not an abnormally large number of fans without tickets on this occasion. With one or two exceptions, the police witnesses themselves did not subscribe to the ‘conspiracy’ theory (of a large number
of late-arriving ticketless supporters). I am satisfied that the large concentration at Leppings Lane from 2.30 pm to 2.50 pm did not arrive as a result of any concerted plan. There were, I accept, small groups without tickets who were willing to exploit any adventitious chance of getting into the ground. They, together with the minority who had drunk too much, certainly aggravated the problem faced by the police. But that main problem was simply one of large numbers packed into the small area outside the turnstiles,” The Interim Taylor Report, paragraph 208.

4. “The police witnesses who most impressed me did not consider the number of ticketless fans to be inordinately large. This accords with two other sources of evidence,” The Interim Taylor Report, paragraph 200.

5. “Sheffield Wednesday FC’s own admission count system showed the terrace did not exceed its 10,100 capacity (for the Leppings Lane end). As part of their analysis, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) counted the number of [Liverpool] supporters entering the ground, including those through the turnstiles, through Gate C and even those who climbed over the turnstiles. They gave three admission figures based on their analysis. Their first figure was 9,267, their ‘best estimate’ was 9,734, and their third figure was a ‘maximum estimate’ of 10,124. The HSE report stated it was unlikely that the terrace exceeded 10,124 and that total admissions were approximately equal to the designated capacity of 10,100 people. Taylor surmised there was no substance to the allegation that ticketless fans caused the Disaster,” The Hillsborough Football Disaster: Context And Consequences, page 17. Also watch video evidence of the fans walking through the turnstiles and walking into the tunnel.

6. The Taylor Report exonerated the Liverpool fans of any culpability. “The main reason for the disaster was the failure of police control,” The Interim Taylor Report, paragraph 278.

7. Leppings Lane stand was deemed unsuitable in 1981 after 38 Spurs fans suffered crush related injuries. Sheffield Wednesday never carried out the work required. In addition to the 1981 incident, crushes also occurred at Hillsborough in 1987 and 1988. In fact Liverpool played Nottingham Forest in the same stage of the tournament one year prior at the same ground where Liverpool fans were crushed. Liverpool filed an official complaint prior to the 1989 FA-Cup semi final to air their concerns about safety.
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http://www.epltalk.com/steven-cohen-blames-liverpool-fans-for-hillsborough-disaster/5915

newterp · May 22, 2009

Re: Open letter -Tim Vickery to WSD

CCSC_STRIKER20 said: ↑

I hate to keep bringing up the douche bag, media whore Cohen, but there is an official statement from the club.

Reds Condemn Hillsborough Radio Lies
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I think it's so huge that the club came out with a statement.

and not to stop being an ass - Cohen started his program yesterday on WSD with an "oooohhh look, now we are infamous, look LFC has made a statement". He immediately tried to turn the story around and claim that he hoped LFC would check into the death threats (none were ever made), the anti-semtic comments (again none were ever made) and the emails of hate (he claims he has them but wont produce them) against him.

Grinners89 · May 22, 2009

Re: Open letter -Tim Vickery to WSD

newterp said: ↑

I think it's so huge that the club came out with a statement.

and not to stop being an ass - Cohen started his program yesterday on WSD with an "oooohhh look, now we are infamous, look LFC has made a statement". He immediately tried to turn the story around and claim that he hoped LFC would check into the death threats (none were ever made), the anti-semtic comments (again none were ever made) and the emails of hate (he claims he has them but wont produce them) against him.
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Good work by the club for putting a foot on it.

Grinners89 · May 23, 2009

Re: Open letter -Tim Vickery to WSD

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