The Hillsborough Disaster occurred on April 14th 1989. The weight of the crowds entering the stadium, where strong fences to deter hooliganism were erected, led to crushing which left 96 dead and 766 injured. All were Liverpool fans. Add to this that TV was covering the match at the time and pictures were shown nationwide of the tragedy unfolding, I sat with friends watching this as did millions of others. The official report blamed police for failure of crowd control.
This disaster left its mark upon Liverpool football club and their fans, many of course who would have been there or knew the deceased. All will sympathise and understand Liverpool's wish to commemorate this event each year. Alan Davis raised a reasonable point when he questioned the postponement of Liverpool's game with Chelsea, leaving Chelsea only three days to prepare for a major European game, because the original date was April the 14th, and Liverpool as an act of remembrance do not play on that date. "Why not?" he asked, pointing out that Manchester United play on the date that commemorates the 1958 Munich Disaster in which their team was almost wiped out. Rangers, who lost 66 dead in the Ibrox Disaster of January 2nd 1971 play on that date also. Bradford City play regularly on May 11th in spite of losing 56 dead and having 256 injured on that date in 1985 when the stadium suffered a flash fire, why should Liverpool be different? We should not of course omit the Heysal Stadium Disaster of 1985. Liverpool fans attacked the Juventus fans at the start of the European Cup Final, 39 Juve fans died, 600 were injured. Yet Liverpool play on May 29th in spite of their fans guilt. Do they not wish to commemorate this action?
While all football fans empathise and understand clubs remembering their dead, whether an individual or a larger group, I cannot get away from the 'attitude' which appears to arise whenever Liverpool are concerned. It seems to me that the city of Liverpool considers their traumas greater than any others. Liverpool fans have indeed 'made up' with Juventus fans, they appreciate the disasters elsewhere, I am sure they would give aid if required at any such event if asked, however there is a mental attitude that says 'Liverpool is more important.' This is an attitude that in this tragic case is holding them back, not helping them. It is not possible to forget the dead and sufferings of Hillsborough, it is right to commemorate them year by year, it is also I must say using that awful popular phrase, 'time to move on.' The remembrance does not allow the relatives to overcome their pain, indeed it probably exaggerates this. Constant reminders, annual games changed on that date, all bring up once again the pain of loss, and we all know how hard this is to overcome. Possibly now is the time for Liverpool to end the ban on playing on that date and have a simple minutes silence instead? This does not do an injustice to the deceased, it respects them in a proportionate and considerate manner, it also allows the relatives to continue their lives their own way.
Alan Davis has of course suffered much abuse through Liverpool fans loudly objecting to his comments, especially as he is an Arsenal fan. Abuse, threats, and even threats to his life have been offered. His reply, on Twitter he suggested he should go outside in disguise, this :- 'Scouser outfit.' I suppose when an actor/comedian is attacked fro making a reasonable suggestion he will respond in suitable manner. It must be noted he apologised for any offence caused, and offered a donation to a suitable cause, this was rejected.
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