I have just read the independent report ( all 389 pages), and one of the most disturbing facts was that crushing was an issue since 1981 !...quote...
"In 1981 before the FA Cup Semi-Final between Tottenham Hotspur and
Wolverhampton Wanderers there was serious congestion at the Leppings Lane
turnstiles and crushing on the confined outer concourse. It resulted in the opening
of exit Gate C to relieve the crush. The disclosed documents indicate that entry into
the stadium was managed by South Yorkshire Police (SYP) officers on duty and
Sheffield Wednesday Football Club (SWFC) stewards. What followed was a serious crush on the terraces in which many people were
injured and fatalities narrowly avoided. At that time lateral fences did not divide
the Leppings Lane terrace into pens, and fans were able to move sideways along
the full length of the terrace; others escaped onto the perimeter track through the
narrow gates in the perimeter fence."
Since then SWFC put in the lateral fences which prevented the fans from spreading out. The ground did not have a valid safety certificate! >Between 81 and 87 the ground was not used for semi finals while the ground was upgraded.
The upgrade did not include specific turnstyles for each section or "pen" which results in too many fans heading for th best vantage point behind the goal area. This faliure was due to lack of money by SWFC.
If you do not want a good nights sleep read the document.
The truth is now in the public domain justice will follow.
RIP the 96, YNWA
