I am from Liverpool and proud of it. I also admit to being an Evertonian. But what I can't stand is that sanctimonious, vulturesque figure of Phil Thompson spouting off every week on Sky Sports about it being Liverpool FC's God-given right that they deserve success, because they are such a traditionally great club. OK, lets look at their tradition. We are well aware of their trophies they've won under Shankly & Paisley - and fair play to them. But let's look at some of the greatest tradgedies that have occurred in British football that have involved Liverpool Football Club. First there was the Heysel Stadium Disaster. The European Cup Final between Liverpool and Juventas, played at Heysel in Belgium 29th May 1985. This is when Liverpool supporters attacked a section of the ground that was officially no-man's land. There were no hard-core Juventas fans in this section: familes and mixed nationalies. Irish witnesses saw Liverpool thugs use poles they found under the hoardings of the stands and attack these defenceless fans. 39 were murdered: 32 Italian fans of Juventus FC, 4 Belgians, 2 French and an Irishman. Of course, the state of the ground was blamed. The British police undertook a thorough investigation to bring to justice the perpetrators. 17 minutes of film and many still photographs were examined. TV Eye produced an hour-long programme featuring the footage and the British press also published the photographs.
There were 27 arrests on suspicion of manslaughter – the only extraditable offence applicable to events at Heysel. Approximately 60 per cent were from Liverpool and the remainder from places that ranged from Aberdeen to Ipswich. Some of these people had previous convictions for football related violence. In 1989, after a 5-month trial in Belgium, fourteen Liverpool fans were given 3-year sentences for involuntary manslaughter. Half the terms were suspended and it is unclear how many served their sentences. Yes, Mr. Phil Thompson, you never mention Heysel when you talk of Liverpool FC's great tradition. And you know, what bailed Liverpool FC out of this shameful act? The Hillsborough disaster four years later on 15th April 1989. Oh yes, it was the police, and inadequacy of the ground that were to blame here. Nothing to do with 5,000 drunken Liverpool supporters, boozing before the game, no tickets, then rushing the gates. BUT, we can't say this in public - we are castigated, we are disgraced! But I am saying it because it is the truth - and those low-lives that perptrated this dreadful act that killed 97 innocent people should be exposed. So all you Liverpool supporters and aspiring Liverpool supporters - remember your tradition, but also remember your murderous acts of the innocent defenceless people.
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Liverpool FC Hillsborough Heysel Sky Sports Phil Thompson - Wanker Soccer Everton FC
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