Hillsborough Links.........
Anne Williams story
Hillsborough Media articles.
Justice Bell: a poem by Dave Kirby
Were you given advice/representation by Kevin Dooley?, If so contact here.
Download a zip-file of various Hillsborough Articles.
Usefull for studying, research and writing articles.
Download Justice Songs.(coming soon!)
Victims of Lies
South Yorkshire Mass Murderer's
Blues for the 96
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Justice 4 All
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Kelvin Mc Kenzie, Enemy of ALL scouse!
Matrix of Hillsborough
Ayup:Yorkshire Websites Tribute page for Hillsborough
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April 15th 1989:Hillsborough Football Disaster.
Hillsborough Media Archives.
This section contains various Hillsborough related articles from the local media etc. Other articles will be included such as the infamous ones printed back in 1989.
Most of the articles here are from the local media in recent times, most are still on the online archives section of the papers, such as the Liverpool Echo.
It is worth including this here so as to keep people informed as to what's gone on in the past. We will include more articles as we get them and hope to get more reactions from locals who were there
and who may wish to relate their experiences.
You may also wish to look at the wider ranging amount of Hillsborough related material on the excellent web site of the Hillsborough Justice Campaign
Survivor cheats death a second time: May 13 2002
by Petra Mann, Liverpool Echo
A MAN who survived the Hillsborough disaster cheated death by seconds in the Potters Bar rail crash, it has been revealed.
Father-of-two Karl Brodrick, 44, was pushing a food trolley on the WAGN train as it headed towards Potters Bar.
He recalled how he left the fourth carriage of the train to begin serving passengers in the next carriage just ten seconds before the accident happened.
Yesterday (Sunday, May 12) he was discharged from hospital and went straight to the scene of the crash with his wife Lynn.
Mr Brodrick of King's Lynn, Norfolk, who has a son William, 20, and a daughter Danielle, 18, appeared shaken as he recalled the horrifying moments of the crash.
And he spoke of his "incredible luck" after surviving the crash and the Hillsborough disaster which cost 96 lives in 1989.
At that time he was a supporter in the Leppings Lane stand where many of the fans died in the crush as spectators crammed into the Liverpool ground for the FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.
He said: "I was at Hillsborough. This is the second time I have walked away from one of these things. There has got to be a reason why I have walked away."
Mr Brodrick, who works for Cambridgeshire-based firm Express Catering Services, told how he was rushing through his shift in the hope of being able to relax on the train for the latter part of the journey to King's Lynn.
He said: "I had only just entered the third carriage when I felt the whole train shake. The driver really slammed on the brakes. The trolley fell over me and then on top of me. I crashed down on the corner of a seat and then the trolley landed on top of me. I was lying on my back in the aisle.
"Luckily there was a young doctor on the train. He told me to lie on my back and stay very still. He said there had been a very, very serious crash behind us and that people would get to us eventually.
"I was taken off the train on a stretcher and could not see what had happened behind us. Coming back here and seeing the carriage as it is is absolutely horrifying."
Mr Brodrick's father William, of Charterhouse Road, Woolton, added: "The whole family is very relieved Karl survived and is okay - it was a terrible ordeal.
"He is completely overwhelmed by what's happened - he's been through a lot."
Stolen H'Boro tribute is back May 9 2002
By Debbie Johnson, Liverpool Echo
A STOLEN memorial to a Hillsborough victim has been returned.
The tribute, a signed Liverpool football and plaque in a glass case, was housed at St James' Church in Woolton in memory of Roy Pemberton.
Roy, 21, was one of the 96 fans who died in the 1989 tragedy. The ball, signed by Ian Rush and Alan Hansen, was presented to the church by his parents.
Thieves stole the ball in March. The Rev Edward Sykes from St James' appealed for its return in the Liverpool ECHO.
Now, the memorial is safe and sound, after an anonymous call.
Wendy Doig, church council secretary, said: "We received an anonymous call telling us it was in a certain place and we would be able to find it.
"When we got there it was wrapped up in carrier bags, and in perfect condition. We were so pleased. Mr and Mrs Pemberton were delighted when we told them.
"We don't really know what happened. It has been missing for quite a long time, but obviously something changed their minds - maybe their conscience.
"We are just very grateful to have it back. It meant a lot to the whole community.
"It was particularly good for us because we have had a tough week at the church - with two break-ins, and our disabled access ramp set on fire.
"It was nice to get a bit of good news for a change."
The ball, kept in a glass case, was accompanied by a plaque which read: "The Roy Pemberton Trophy - in memory of W. Roy Pemberton."
Hillsborough memorial is stolen Apr 1 2002
By Sarah Thomson
A TREASURED football donated in memory of a man who died at Hillsborough has been stolen from a church hall.
The signed Liverpool Football Club ball was presented to the church in Woolton by the parents of Roy Pemberton.
Roy, 21, was among the 96 fans killed in the disaster in 1989. Rev Edward Sykes is now appealing for the memorial ball to be returned to St James' Methodist/United Reformed Church because it is greatly missed by his congregation.
He said: "We want it back so that it can be there for others to see and understand what was a very sad and significant experience for the people of this city.
"The giving of the football was a treasured moment in the healing process and it held a lot of significance to people.
"It has cast a feeling of gloominess on the church. It was more than just a football because of the circumstances when it was given to us."
Roy's parents, who used to attend the church regularly, presented the memorial ball in 1989.
Players, including Ian Rush and Alan Hansen, had signed the ball. Thieves smashed a glass presentation cabinet mounted high on a wall to get at it but did not disturb or take anything else.
The plaque beneath the memorial ball carried the words: "The Roy Pemberton Trophy - In memory of W Roy Pemberton who died at Hillsborough 1989 ".
Wendy Doig, Church council secretary, said the police had not heard any news about the ball since it was stolen last month.
She said the Boys' Brigade Group were upset thieves had taken it and noticed it had gone immediately. "The younger ones particularly are very cross that people could come in to their hall and take the ball. "
H'Boro fight 13 years old Apr 15 2002
Echo Reporter
HILLSBOROUGH families were today marking the 13th anniversary of the disaster with a plea for football fans not to stand at matches.
Thousands were gathering on the Kop for a memorial service in honour of the 96 dead.
Work preparing Anfield stadium for this week's England match was halted to allow this afternoon's ceremony, organised by the Hillsborough Family Support Group, to go ahead.
Meanwhile, the Hillsborough Justice Campaign was holding a separate service at the Hillsborough memorial in Anfield Road.
The HFSG is upset at the growing trend for Premier League crowds - including some on the Kop - to stand during games.
Chairman Trevor Hicks was telling today's service that they will campaign against a return to terracing.
He earlier said: "It's our view there is no place for standing. If you allow it, then you bring back fences. We will be asking fans to sit down in respect of Hillsborough. Those on the Kop have to realise they're letting us down if they disobey safety instructions."
The Hillsborough Justice Campaign says it will continue its legal fight for justice.
Anne Williams, chairwoman of the group, lost her 15-year-old son Kevin in the 1989 disaster.
She hopes to have the original inquest verdict on her son quashed, allowing a new hearing to take place.
She said: "Our main drive is still to get justice. We will not go away until we get that. Kevin's case could open the gates for others.
"I will be going to the Attorney General to ask for the inquest to be quashed and for a new inquest to be held. I have medical evidence that Kevin was alive after the 3.15pm cut-off. He only needed a tracheotomy and he would still be alive today.
"The death certificate says he died of traumatic asphyxia. He died of asphyxia, which is different. He suffered fractures in his neck which started to swell. Because he did not get any treatment, it closed his airway."
Should football fans have chance to stand? Nov 1 2001
by Paddy Shennan, Liverpool Echo
BIRKENHEAD MP Frank Field is supporting a Bill in Parliament tomorrow to bring back standing areas at football grounds. PADDY SHENNAN talks to two fathers who each lost a son at Hillsborough.
No To Terracing.......
Phil Hammond, from Aigburth lost his 14-year-old son Philip..
IF Hillsborough had been an all-seater stadium in 1989, 96 people would still be alive - including my son, Phil.
My other son, Graeme, who's now 23, sits next to me at Anfield.
While he's sitting, I know that what happened to Phil can never happen to him.
We have fought for 12 years to get our stadia as safe as possible and now some people, although
I believe it is only a minority, are talking about a return to terracing.
Why now, after the report by the late Lord Justice Taylor and the subsequent introduction of safe, all-seater stadia, do people want to go back? To me, it's inconceivable.
If standing comes back, it will lead to the return of fencing - as they have in European grounds where there is terracing - and fencing caused deaths at Hillsborough.
And what is going to stop people who have stand tickets from climbing over into a standing area?
I used to go in the boys' pen at Anfield but, like many others, I used to climb out and onto the Kop. It could be like that again at some grounds.
The agreed capacity set down for standing areas would have to be controlled and monitored game by game - but human beings make errors and computers and machines make errors. If a disaster can happen once with terracing, then it can happen again.
People talk about atmosphere and high ticket prices. I think the atmosphere is still there, although the average fan is probably older these days because of the ticket prices.
Standing areas may be a little cheaper, but that's no reason to re- introduce terracing.
Clubs should instead be looking to reduce their prices.
Yes to Terracing........
John Glover, from Kirkdale, lost his 20-year-old son Ian.
THIS is a very personal issue. Some people in my immediate family are against terracing and some are not. I respect everyone's opinion.
If you asked me about this three months after my son, Ian, died at Hillsborough I would have cursed terracing.
But, because I have studied what happened that day and know the real cause, I realise that it had nothing to do with standing.
I've only been to four games since Hillsborough and, if I was going to a match today, I'd actually prefer to sit down. But, if supporters want to be able to stand, they should have that choice.
Why shouldn't you be able to pay £10, £20 or whatever to go and stand up at a football match, as you would be able to do at other sporting events and pop concerts? It's a free country and that choice should be available.
People like to stand together and have a laugh with their mates and, if standing areas are properly controlled, I don't see why that can't happen.
I stood on the Kop alongside thousands of others at Anfield from the mid-1950s to the early-1980s and no one ever died through crushing.
What upsets me is that every time you talk about standing in football grounds, Hillsborough always gets dragged into it.
With new technology and what we have learned from Hillsborough, I am sure a totally safe system of standing could be introduced - whether it involves lines of barriers and people standing in properly regulated rows, with turnstiles geared towards each section of standing.
I also think the atmosphere has gone out of football and that standing areas will bring that back.
If people want to stand, they should be able to - it's as simple as that.
Why I support Bill - by Frank Field, MP
POLITICAL correctness stalks the land.
Year by year the number of topics which "sensible" MPs won't discuss increases. Should standing at football matches join the list of forbidden topics?
The inquiries following Hillsborough ruled that fans should only be able to watch premier and first division football matches providing they are sitting on their backsides.
Tomorrow, Roger Godsiff, a Birmingham Labour MP, will attempt to introduce a Bill which will allow, in very strict circumstances, safe standing areas to be reintroduced to club grounds which currently are unable to offer their supporters this facility.
I support this Bill, but the reaction from some quarters has been of the knee-jerk variety.
"This is a topic which should never be discussed," I am told. I reject such an approach. Considerable numbers of decent football fans
now want this topic seriously discussed.
The Bill does not insist that clubs must provide such facilities. It is very careful to lay down that fans would have to be in favour.
Even if the supporters and clubs agree that they would like some fans to be able to stand, the local authority could veto such a scheme.
In each of the interviews that I have given about my support for this Bill, interviewers talk about my support for re-introducing terracing.
That is simply not on the cards. The proposal is for limited, standing areas and if fans, clubs and local authorities give the OK.
Interviewers have also suggested that my support to open up this debate is an insult to families in my constituency who lost loved ones at Hillsborough. The tragedy was caused, as we know from all the inquiries, by a failure of policing, of stewarding and those horrendous fences.
Even with a failure of policing, an equal failure of stewarding, had there been no barriers at the front of the grounds people at Hillsborough would have been free to move onto the pitch, the police would have seen something was wrong, and action would have been taken.
The lessons on each of these causes of the disaster have, I believe, been learned.
The methods of policing and stewarding work for all the other British sports which allow people to stand and watch and continues to work for all those clubs below the first division where standing is still an option.
It may be that tomorrow MPs will keep the debates going on other Private Member's Bills so that the Football Spectators Bill will be talked out. I hope such stalling tactics will fail.
Hillsborough families fight terrace bid Oct 22 2001
By Debbie Johnson, Liverpool Echo
FAMILIES of the Hillsborough victims have hit out at a local MP for supporting a Bill that could see the return of standing at football matches.
Birkenhead MP Frank Field has backed a motion in the House of Commons that calls for clubs to have "the choice in construction of new stand or stadia to incorporate areas of safe standing".
The backbench Bill has its second reading on November 2.
Mr Field has signed an early day motion showing his support for the Bill.
But today Trevor Hicks, of the Hillsborough Families Support Group, said: "We are extremely disappointed at this news. We have dealt with Frank Field for a number of years and have always respected him as an intelligent man.
"We do feel let down, and also feel that he should keep his comments to matters which he truly understands.
"We are totally opposed to any return to standing at football matches, and will fight any legislation that goes in that direction tooth and nail.
"We, as a group, will be making a formal complaint to Mr Field putting forward our views, and some of our families who are his constituents will be asking for a meeting with him as well. The whole debate is badly grounded. People have voted with their feet since seated stadiums were introduced - we see far more women and children there.
"There is an argument that the cost has led to the price of tickets being prohibitive for some - but that undoubtedly has more to do with the huge amount that football players are paid than anything else.
"Perhaps if Mr Field and the government wanted to do something really useful to address this issue, they could look at some kind of scheme that would allow subsidised seating."
Village anger over wrecked Hboro shrine Oct 2 2001
Daily Post
VANDALS have destroyed a memorial on Wirral to those who lost their lives in the Hillsborough football stadium tragedy.
The marble memorial stone, in picturesque Port Sunlight Village, has been smashed up with its inscription defaced.
Two stone slates either side of the memorial have also been uprooted and thrown into nearby flower beds in the shape and colour of Liverpool Football Club's crest.
The attack was discovered by the village's mobile security patrol.
Richard Garnett, the security officer who first came across the scene, said: "Vandalism is an ongoing problem in all areas and Port Sunlight is no exception, but this is the first time the memorial has been attacked so seriously.
"It was a shocking sight, with the stones destroyed, flowers killed and graffiti everywhere." The marble memorial, measuring around three feet square, has now been removed as Port Sunlight Village Trust decides whether it can be repaired or has to be replaced.
A spokesman for the Trust said it was impossible to calculate how much it would cost to clean up after the damage.
Andrew Tonkiss, chief executive of the Trust, said yesterday the actions of the vandals were "deplorable."
"We really are disgusted. I fail to see what pleasure anyone can get from carrying out such an act," he said.
"Many of those Liverpool supporters who lost their lives were young and their families will be upset to see the damage done.
"Many of those families still come to memorial to lay flowers and appropriate restoration or replacement work will be carried out as soon as possible."
He added: "Despite the employment of a mobile security patrol in the village, it is impossible to watch these areas 24 hours a day.
"The last thing the Trust would wish to do is to make them inaccessible to the public with high security fences.
"Many visitors from all parts of the country and abroad make a special point of admiring the remembrance garden area." Teenage gangs are thought to be responsible for the attack which, it is believed, was carried out using a hammer.
Mr Tonkiss added: "I'm awaiting advice from a specialist in marble headstones, but it will certainly be replaced. We will not be beaten by the vandals."
Conservative councillor for Bromborough, Coun Bob Moon, said: "I'm quite upset as I know a lot of people will be. Port Sunlight has had problems with nuisance youths, but this is a step up in terms of vindictive criminal damage. I would appeal for residents who know anything to get in touch with police."
Attack on Hillsborough Memorial Jul 26 2001
by Ian Latta, Daily Post
LIVERPOOL'S Hillsborough memorial has been vandalised after blue paint was thrown over it.
It is the first time the site honouring the 96 fans who lost their lives at the 1989 stadium disaster has been defaced.
There are fears the paint attack is a retaliation after unfounded rumours that Everton's Dixie Dean statue had been targeted.
Last night both Liverpool and Everton football clubs appealed for calm and hope the vandalism does not spark a series of tit-for-tat attacks.
John Glover, who lost his 18-year-old son Ian at Hillsborough, said: "I'm absolutely disgusted.
"The people who have done this are the lowest of the low. I've no other words for them.
"I've no idea who did this but I don't think it's Everton fans. Some say this has happened after rumours the Dixie Dean statue was attacked but Liverpool fans never touched it. Everton themselves have confirmed that.
"Hillsborough affected all of Merseyside, both red and blue. I'm appealing for calm now because I don't want people taking this into their own hands. That would be an insult to those who lost their lives at Hillsborough."
Mr Glover added: "Relatives travel from all over the country to pay their respects to loved ones. What must they think of what's happened?
"The time has come for a CCTV camera to be up. If there was one when this sick attack happened then these people would be on film."
The attack was discovered by a club official on the day of Liverpool's treble-winning homecoming in May.
Most of the mess was cleaned up immediately and a painter was yesterday finishing off the clean-up by repainting the gold lettering on the names of those who had died.
Liverpool spokesman Ian Cotton said: "Anyone can buy a tin of blue paint and the club totally deplores the actions of the people who have showed crass insensitivity to the feelings of those who lost loved ones and a lack of respect for those who did not come back from Sheffield."
Everton spokesman Ian Ross added: "The Dixie Dean statue was not vandalised in any way by Liverpool fans.
"A flag was draped over the statue and two tiny specks of paint dripped onto it from the banner. They were wiped away in five minutes.
"All Everton fans have far too much respect for the Hillsborough memorial and I'm confident none of our supporters are involved.
"Everton condemns anything that sullies the name of those who lost their lives.
"I don't think there will be any tit-for-tat actions because both fans have respect for each other."
Press officer sues over stress Jul 24 2001
by Ian Latta, Daily Post Staff
A FORMER civilian police worker is suing Merseyside Police for the stress of dealing with the James Bulger murder eight years ago, it has been revealed.
Wendy Johnson, 41, is seeking damages for her time as a press officer with Merseyside Police when she dealt with the Bulger case and other high-profile murders.
If she wins her case, it is believed she could receive £100,000.
In comparison, Denise Fergus, James' mother, received £7,500 from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority for the murder of her son in 1993 by Robert Thompson and Jon Venables.
Miss Johnson, from Warrington, was the first civilian press officer appointed by Merseyside Police in 1989. Her previous job had been with advertising giants Saachi and Saachi.
Four years later, she found herself dealing with media inquiries from around the world in one of the biggest crime stories of the decade. She left her job in 1997 on ill-health grounds.
Last year she lodged a claim for damages and the case is due before Liverpool County Court in October.
Miss Johnson lives with her partner Adrian Taylor, the 42-year-old boss of a catering equipment hire business in Woolston, Warrington. She is both a director of the firm and its secretary.
Yesterday she was unavailable for comment at her home in Coldstream Close. Her Liverpool solicitor also refused to comment.
But a spokeswoman for Merseyside Police said: "We can confirm that a civil litigation has been made against the force by a former member of support staff, Wendy Johnson.
"This claim for damages is being contested by Merseyside Police. It would be inappropriate for us to comment any further as legal proceedings are under way."
Miss Johnson's role as press officer involved liaison between senior officers and the Press, releasing information and assisting reporters and cameramen at crime locations and news conferences.
It is believed other high profile murders also affected her, including the death of Liverpool couple Gary Pettitt, 25, and Jean Larkin, 24, shot dead and burnt on a bonfire near Chorley, Lancashire, in 1993 and the 1995 murder of Paul Barker, 13, and his friend Robert Gee, 12, at a fishing pond in Eastham, Wirral.
Miss Johnson's union, Unison, has also refused to comment.
Unison's Bill Braben said: "Unison is not prepared to enter into the debate until it appears in court when the matter will be adduced in the fullness of time."
The stress claim is one of the latest involving former police workers.
Earlier this year, a retired police officer who suffered 'late-onset' of post traumatic stress disorder after the Hillsborough disaster, was awarded £330,000 in an out-of-court settlement.
Former sergeant Martin Long went into the pens as fans were crushed in the Leppings Lane terrace in 1989.
But the officer did not start suffering post traumatic stress disorder until 1998, nine years after the disaster that killed 96 Liverpool fans.
He retired from South Yorkshire police the following year on medical grounds, with enhanced pension.
In 1997, 14 South Yorkshire officers received a total of £1.2m in compensation following the stadium disaster.
Reds fans find perfect pitch May 2 2002
By Nicky Tabarn, Liverpool Echo
A LIVERPOOL fan left with brain injuries by the Hillsborough disaster has achieved his ambition of walking around the Anfield pitch unaided.
Gary Currie, 31, and his friend Andrew Ward, 24, who is almost entirely wheelchair- bound after a childhood car accident, realised their dream thanks to a surprise trip to the stadium.
It was organised by the Transitional Rehabilitation Unit, of Ashton-in-Makerfield, who helped nurse them back to health. The pair watch Liverpool regularly, home and away.
Gary, from West Derby, said: "My brain was starved of oxygen during the crush at Hillsborough. Then three years ago, I fell over and broke my leg, which didn't heal properly and it took me a year to walk again. Even now, I still walk with a limp."
Andrew, from Leyfield Road, West Derby, spent months in a coma after he was knocked over by a car 11 years ago.
He is still in a wheelchair, but can walk short distances with a walking frame.
Gary added: "I never thought I would be able to walk around the hallowed turf.
"I managed to walk 1,500m, which is equivalent to four sides of the pitch, and Andrew managed to walk one length of the pitch.
"It is like a dream come true to be able to walk on our own around the pitch where our heroes play."
Brian Hall, LFC's community affairs manager, said: "We were delighted to help.
"The look of achievement on Andrew's face was something to remember. We even had to tell Gary to slow down.
"Everyone at the club has the utmost respect for them."
Jason Roach, who coordinates the pair's rehabilitation programme, said: " Motivation is one of the most important parts of the process and we thought this would be a great reward for the progress they have made with us."
Charity Match For Justice Campaign April 19th 2001
Contrary to the shameful breaking of the minute's silence before Monday's Merseyside derby, one particular display of unity has proven that Liverpool and Everton fans can still stand as one.
While most fans were still wondering what teams Mssrs Houllier and Smith would be fielding, Everton and Liverpool fansites, Toffeeweb and Red All Over The Land (RAOTL) were kitted up and ready to do battle to raise money for the Hillsborough Justice Campaign.
Played at the Edinburgh Park Dockers Club, Townsend Lane, on Easter Monday morning, the match was arranged to mark the 12th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster in which 96 Liverpool fans lost their lives.
Indeed, as feelings between the city's footballing neighbours were tempered by a minority of mindless Neanderthals at Goodison Park later in the day, the inaugral mini-derby took a significant step towards improving relations between the two sets of supporters.
In a poignant mark of respect to those who died at Hillsborough and in the Ellis Park Stadium disaster in South Africa a week ago, a minute's silence was impeccably observed before Red All Over The Land ran out 2-1 winners over their blue counterparts.
But despite a last minute disallowed goal for Toffeeweb, in a climax that was almost as frenetic as the real thing, the result pales to insignificance when weighed up against the intention of the proceedings.
Through donations and the sale of t-shirts, a total of £283 was raised on the day for the Hillsborough Justice Campaign before both sets of players and supporters compared bruises and notes over a few pints.
"All in all it was a fantastic day which showed the true spirit of the Merseyside derby," said Will Melia of RAOTL.
"The game was a great demonstration of Reds and Blues coming together for a good cause and we hope the spirit of this game can some how be carried over to the real derby in future."
Read on for a match report with a difference as RAOTL's Will Melia recalls the Reds' first derby win of the day.
Even Better Than The Real Thing?
Red All Over The Land 2, Toffeeweb 1
Easter Monday, 8.00am, Halewood, Liverpool;
Anyone who knows me will be aware that it takes something VERY special to rouse me from my bed at such an un-godly hour on a bank holiday.
But today was something very special. The inaugural Internet 'derby' between the Liverpool fanzine/website 'Red All Over The Land' (RAOTL) and the blue hordes of 'Toffeeweb' was set to kick off in less than three hours.
Having been involved in the organisation I was more concerned that this game should run smoothly and had paid scant regard to the 'real' derby taking place at Goodison the same night. I left the house at 10.00am in a state of panic - 'would the referee turn up?' - 'would the players turn up?' - 'did we have a ball ?'. Stupid I know but I so wanted everything to run okay.
I needn't have worried.
Easter Monday, 11.00am, Dockers Club, Tuebrook, Liverpool;
Thankfully both teams had a full compliment of players, a linesman and referee had kindly volunteered their services and we had an ample of surplus of balls! (Well apart from two players - more of which later!).
Prior to the kick off both teams observed a minutes silence in memory of the 12th anniversary of Hillsborough and the previous weeks tragedy at Ellis Park and after a brief 'huddle' by the RAOTL lads the game was under way.
It's fair to say that Toffeeweb had the better of the early exchanges. Solid at the back and showing a fair amount of bite in midfield. RAOTL where possibly showing signs of tiredness after a couple of months of European debauchery in Rome, Porto and Barcelona.
It came as no surprise when half way through the first half RAOTL's left back, John Mushrow, did a fair Sandy Brown impression by slicing a goal bound effort into his own net!
One nil to the Blues and it wasn't looking good for the young boys of RAOTL.
Being a non-playing 'organiser', I felt it my duty to mingle a bit with the Blues during the game. I was chatting to them and it was revealed that the kit they where wearing was supplied by Everton FC LADIES team! So no matter the result we had some ammunition. Toffeeweb wear ladies clothing! But hold on - what's this? Two ladies, in blue, on the subs bench!!?? Not just ordinary ladies either. Everton FC Ladies team players - one of them was also an England international. Scandal. I could see the headline;
'Toffeeweb Transvestites in 'Ringers' shocker!!!'
Disgusted by the underhand tactics of my Blue friends I returned to the Red side of the pitch to give some encouragement to a struggling team. We can't lose this one. Not to a gang of sexual deviants!! Come on you Reds !!!!
Gradually RAOTL came more and more into the game as the end of the half approached and it came as no surprise when RAOTLs 17 year old 'young pup', CHRIS MURPHY, let fly from 25 yards with an unstoppable left foot shot which the Toffeeweb goalie could only watch as it flew into the net (Chris - I'll have that fiver next time I see you!).
Parity restored. Half Time.
Buoyed by the psychological advantage of a goal just before half time, RAOTL looked much sharper in the early stages of the second half with left-winger Matty 'Traore' showing the speed and grace of John Barnes but, sadly, the finishing skills of Rob Jones!
Chance after chance went begging and you got the feeling that this failure to capitalise on these chances would be punished by the blues. Our fears seemed to be realised when the referee, having given a free kick outside the box for handball, was called over by his linesman and then changed is mind and pointed to the spot! Penalty for Toffeeweb!! (I thought it was unusual that the linesman had a blue flag with 'Everton FC - Simod Cup Final 1990' on it!)
Boos and jeers from our motley bunch of supporters as one of the female semi-professional 'ringers' coolly stepped up to take the spot kick - and MISSED!! Delirium on the sidelines.
This seemed to stimulate the Reds and minutes later another 'young pup' (Jamie) coolly slotted home for RAOTL with only fifteen minutes to go.
2-1 to Red All Over The Land!
In true Liverpool tradition we decided to sit back and live on our nerves for the last ten minutes. Scenes akin to THE ALAMO where witnessed in the RAOTL penalty area. It was all hands to the pumps. Miraculous goal line clearances, penalty appeals by the Blues but still they couldn't score. Then came a corner in the last minute. Floated in. Mayhem in the RAOTL six yard box. The ball pinging all over the place. Toffeeweb try to claim the ball crossed the line in the melee but the ref denies their 'goal' saying it never went over the line.
(It was later revealed that pint sized Toffeeweb left winger , Jon Gard , had sneaked on for the last five minutes - giving the blues TWELVE men on the pitch - well Ten Men and Two ladies!)
The final whistle was blown amid furious Blue protests aimed at the referee who had suddenly become Clive Thomas and Graham Poll all rolled into one.
A Liverpool triumph!
One down - one to go.
Thanks to the following;
Gary Lindsay (Canon FC) - for organising the venue
Stephen Clegg , Chris Murphy and Jeremy Wyke for helping with the organisation.
The referee and linesman for giving up their bank holiday.
Julie Pimblett and Mrs McHale for washing the kit.
Liverpool FC and Ian McDonald of the Everton Independent Supporters Association for sorting out the respective kits.
Radio Merseyside (and Pauline Rooney especially), Mike Parry at Talksport(ed* er, isn't talk sport managed by The Sun Editor Who printed the scum storys 19th April 1989 Kelvin Mc Kenzie. Yes it is, so boycott talk sport!) , Radio City and Dave Randles at icLiverpool.co.uk for all the publicity.
Channel One for the coverage and coming out to film the event.
Tom E (from Wales) for standing in for me at the Channel One interview.
Ste Wright from the HJC for sorting out the t-shirts and collecting the cash.
All the players who turned up and provided some 'entertaining' football.
Derby Day Shame April 18th 2001
THE Merseyside derby. One of the most eagerly awaited fixtures in the footballing calendar. Capable of dividing family loyalties, guaranteeing tension, and more often than not filled with controversy. Monday night's 164th derby at Goodison Park was no exception.
People have made the complaint that the rivalry between the two clubs in recent years has surpassed the boundaries of genuine football banter and is instead beginning to border on violence and aggression. On the basis of this game, you would have to concede they have a valid point.
At the start of the match, all fans were asked to participate in a minute's silence as a mark of respect and remembrance to those who died in the tragic Hillsborough disaster and also those who were killed in South Africa last week.
The majority of the crowd was prepared to observe the silence. Yet , among them were a mindless minority who 'amused' themselves by deliberately shouting obscenities and singing. People were rightly disgusted by their actions but disturbed the peace even further by voicing their displeasure. As a result, the minute was cut short by the referee's whistle.
There can be no excuse for this behaviour. Those few Everton fans were an absolute disgrace to the club and do not deserve to call themselves supporters of the game. Regardless of which team you support or the colour of the shirt you wear, all football fans should be united in such circumstances.
On a similar note, the police should be commended for their actions when dealing with an incident in the Gwladys Street. Everton have been involved in the "Let's kick racism out of football" campaign for a number of years. Last night, Emile Heskey became the target of one individual's racist abuse, as he lay injured on the pitch.
The police response was immediate and the offender was removed from the ground. Maybe if this were to happen more often, it would make one or two other people think about their actions and realise that racism will not be tolerated.
So to the match itself. Jeff Winter's performance was shambolic. In the opening half of the game, he had Everton fans outraged when he missed a handball incident involving Carragher inside the penalty area and failed to rule out Heskey's opening goal as offside.
He also seemed convinced that Duncan Ferguson was able to commit a foul every time the ball was pumped up to him, despite the fact that the player was continually surrounded by at least three red shirts! He then compounded this by yellow carding Ferguson for his goal scoring celebrations.
In the second half, however, Winter seemed keen to even up the balance of the game and set about incurring the wrath of the Liverpool supporters and players. They were furious when he awarded a penalty to the Blues in the second half, as Hyypia was accused of preventing Ferguson jumping for the ball, and when he sent off Igor Biscan for a late challenge on David Unsworth.
A total of eleven players were booked in the match which, although it contained the usual frantic tackling associated with a derby, was by no means a dirty game. One minute, the referee appeared to be showing some common sense, the next he seemed to lose the plot completely!
Last season's match at Goodison was ended controversially by the referee, who disallowed a last minute goal for the Blues when Westerveld's goal kick rebounded back into the net off Don Hutchinson. It seemed the referee on this occasion wanted to continue the same trend.
Now onto a point which is in danger of turning into something of a campaign. It concerns the Rhino. A thick- skinned animal, not the most elegant of creatures, but all the same a valuable, rare breed which should be protected.
Last week's column mentioned the outstanding performance of David Unsworth against Manchester City. This week the player has gone one better. Another 'man of the match' performance on Saturday against Aston Villa; the club for which he signed but never played, capped with an absolute peach of a goal on the volley!
Coupled with this, another exceptional display against Liverpool. Unsworth can always be relied upon to give 100% and never more so than in a local derby. From the outset on Monday, he launched himself in to challenges, making life difficult for the Reds' playmakers.
As soon as the referee's whistle blew to signal a penalty for Everton, he was there. Cool under pressure, and despite the best efforts of several Liverpool players to put him off, he fired the spot kick home with venom.
He now only needs two more penalties to equal Trevor Stevens' record of 19 converted from 21. There is even a faint chance he could finish up as Everton's top goal scorer this season!
Unsworth is a confidence player and at present that confidence is soaring. Come on Walter; give the man a new contract!
43 Dead after stadium crush Apr 12 2001
by Liverpool Echo
A STAMPEDE of fans inside and outside an overcrowded soccer stadium killed 43 people and injured scores of others.
Sobbing relatives were led away from the stadium in South Africa early today after identifying bodies. At least 27 bodies were lined up on the field, and several others lay outside.
The scene at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, where Kaizer Chiefs were playing Orlando Pirates in a much-awaited derby, was chaotic even before kick-off.
Fan Abdul Patel said thousands pushed their way through the fence around the stadium or climbed over gates.
The match was not called off until 10 minutes after the first body had been carried away from the stands, Patel said. At that time, no-one realised how serious the situation was.
We thought someone had fainted, he said. Later however, he saw at least 10 bodies being carried on to the field.
Robin Petersen, chief of the South Africa's Professional Soccer League, said gates leading to the stadium were closed after it had filled to its capacity of 62,000.
Maybe had we responded earlier, the situation would have been averted, he was quoted as saying.
The match was tied 1-1 when it was abandoned after 34 minutes of play.
Were stunned, were shocked and were sending our condolences to those families, Sports Minister Ngconde Balfour said. Whatever will need to be done well do.
The stampede killed 43 people, 29 inside the stadium and 14 outside, said police spokeswoman Sgt Amanda Roestoff. Two of the dead were children, she said.
At least 155 fans were reported injured. Most of them suffered fractured ribs and other broken bones.
Security guard Louis Shipalana, 42, said: There was lots of cheering. The fans were happy.
Things changed after the Pirates scored.
Thats when everything happened, he said. The stadium was full. There was no place to stand. The people were pushing toward the fence (around the field), and the fence collapsed and the people in the back stepped on those in front.
Security guards reportedly had earlier fired tear gas at people stampeding outside the stadium.
The Chiefs and the Pirates are major rivals in South African soccer.
Mark Fish, a former South Africa captain and Orlando Pirates defender and now with Charlton Athletic, said: This match is bigger than Manchester United v Liverpool.
"People travel 300 to 400 miles for the game hoping to get tickets on the day.
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April 15th 1989
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Hillsborough Justice Campaign
They Went to a football Match and came home in Coffins. Why?
Its about more than 96. Hillsborough Killed many more than that.
Justice for ALL Victims of Hillsborough.
R.I.P to the Fallen
R.E.S.P.E.C.T
Anti Sun Website. Boycott This Gutter-Rag. Scr** Murdoch and ALL Journalists.
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