A major tragedy occurred in Sheffield, precisely at Hillsborough Stadium, known as the Hillsborough tragedy. This tragedy has left deep wounds and sorrows for Liverpool fans and their families as well as the worst incidents in the history of sport in England.
The events that occurred in the FA Cup semifinal against Nottingham Forest on 15 April 1989 led to death which left a long sadness for Liverpool’s extended family. As many as 96 people left the world and 766 others were injured. At that time the FA appointed Hillsborough Stadium as the venue for the FA Cup semi-final match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.
The match is scheduled to take place at 15:00 local time at the Sheffield Wedndnesday headquarters. The fans of both teams were asked to come to the stadium 15 minutes before the match. In those days, stadium conditions in England were not what they are today. Between the stands and the court, a high iron fence is separated to minimize the spectator’s action entering the field.
Actually for this match the level of security has reportedly been increased, considering the fans of both teams have high rivalry. This is also due to previous experience of tragedy at Leppings Lane. It happened in the FA Cup semi-final between Tottenham Hotspurs and Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1981. Hundreds of supporters who tried to push into the stadium by force resulted in 38 people injured.
A similar tragedy also occurred in 1987 between Sheffield and Coventry City, also during a duel between Coventry City and Leeds United in Hillborough. Because of this there was even a letter of rejection from fans regarding the match that took place at Sheffield’s Hillborough stadium. But the FA still held the match with guarantees from the local security.
Facts on the field of concern occurred at the time of many Liverpool supporters who wanted to witness the match firsthand. The mass concentration is very large outside the stadium while the stadium is full. There are still around 5,000 fans who forced their way into the stadium. The tragedy was inevitable in the end.
Every April exactly 15th at the Anfield Stadium is always carried out commemoration of the Hillsborough tragedy attended by Liverpool retainer with fans and family. This year is the 31st anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster but the memorial service could not be performed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Jurgen Klopp was also only able to convey a message to Liverpool families and supporters at the Hillsborough disaster warning. Klopp on that occasion sent his thoughts, prayers and love to all those affected by the tragedy.
Liverpoolfc.com releases Jurgen Klopp’s message: “This is the most important day for our football club every year. We plan to be together at Anfield, but this is impossible. The only thing we can be sure of is that we are in each other’s minds. “
“You have our thoughts, our prayers and, most importantly, you have our love. You’ll Never Walk Alone.” Although it was quite a message from afar, it was already more than Jurgen Klopp’s love for the Reds Fans. Especially those victims’ families who experienced the tragedy 31 years ago in Hillsborough, Klopp sent a prayer of strength for them.
The tragedy must be commemorated as a valuable learning. The safety factor for supporters and players in the stadium must be a top priority in organizing a football match. Not only valuable for football in England but valuable for football throughout the World.
