Surviving State-Led Disaster: The Legacies of Hillsborough

Notes

1. On 27 July 2021, Andrew Devine died as a result of serious injuries sustained thirty-two years before at Hillsborough. The following day, Coroner Andre Rebello concluded that he was unlawfully killed—this officially recorded Andrew Devine as the 97th victim of Hillsborough. Through this article, discussions revolve around “the 96”, reflecting the long-standing official recording of those killed. There have been many other people whose lives have been cut very short as a result of Hillsborough. The psychological trauma of the event, as well as continuing injustices and limited supports, have led to countless people having untimely deaths, from long-term ill-health as well as suicides. As Evans (2021) reports: “At funerals there is a common mantra: ‘They were never the same after Hillsborough’. None of the survivors were.”

2. The events at Hillsborough are commonly reported as a “disaster.” This should not be regarded as a “natural” tragedy. Many disasters and their impacts often result from human actions or inactions.

3. The term Hillsborough is used to refer to the specific event, but also to longer term processes (such as inquests, inquiries, etc.).

4. The case against Ch Supt Donald Denton, DCI Alan Foster and Peter Metcalf was stopped after the judge ruled that their alteration of police statements was undertaken for Lord Justice Taylor's public inquiry into the disaster. It was determined that this inquiry was not a statutory inquiry at which evidence is given on oath. As a result, charges of perverting the course of justice could not stand.

5. While there were direct survivors—those whose lives were in danger, in pens three and four, on the day—there are many thousands who “survived the experience” of Hillsborough (Paul), including witnesses, rescuers, LFC fans, the entire city of Liverpool, campaigners, and generations of families and friends. These people have experienced diverse trajectories of survival.

6. This article was completed in 2018. However, it has been held from publication for over three years, following direction to refrain from commentary that could prejudice legal proceedings.

7. We extend our deep appreciation to all interviewees and others who have supported this research.

8. There are several sites through which survivors express their concerns, experiences and difficulties. See articles on LFChistory.net, The Echo Online, Contrast and Hope for Hillsborough Justice, among others.

9. Anne's 15-year-old son Kevin was killed in pen three at Hillsborough. Anne was a member of the HJC, she formed the Hope for Hillsborough charity and dedicated her life to challenging the original inquest verdicts and the “3.15pm cut-off” decision on all evidence. She presented the case to four Attorney Generals and took it to the European Court of Human Rights. Anne passed away on 18 April 2013.

10. Only 14% of tickets were taken up for the 8 May 1989 match between Sheffield Wednesday Football Club and LFC ( http://www.contrast.org/hillsborough/boycott.shtm).

11. Despite the vindication from the HIP Report and 2016 IV, Jonathan Goldberg QC claimed that Liverpool supporters' behaviour had been “perfectly appalling . . . causing a riot” (Conn, 2021).

12. Gerry McIver passed away in August 2016.

13. Recently, there has been the development of a “Survivors Support Alliance” ( https://www.hsa-us.co.uk/).