Police chief cleared over deaths of 96 at UK football match

Acquittal follows 30-year justice campaign by relatives of Liverpool fans killed in crush at Hillsborough

Liverpool fans in 2013 hold up banners commemorating those who lost their lives in the 1989 Hillsborough disaster. AFP

The police commander in charge of operations when 96 football supporters died in a crush at a Liverpool football cup match in 1989 has been cleared of manslaughter.

David Duckenfield, 75, made an error in ordering internal gates to be opened to try to relieve dangerous overcrowding in the minutes before the start of the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.

It resulted in the fatal crush in a stand at the dilapidated Hillsborough ground in Sheffield, northern England.

The acquittal of Mr Duckenfield, who faced two trials on a charge of gross negligence manslaughter, sparked anger among the victims' relatives who gathered to hear the verdict.

The daughter of one victim stood to ask the judge who was responsible for her father’s death after an inquest in 2016 found that the 96 had been unlawfully killed.

All but one of the 96 were Liverpool fans.

The acquittal marks the end of a long campaign for justice by the families, who called for senior officials to be held accountable for the police tactics and their response to the tragedy.

Mr Duckenfield admitted that he told a “terrible lie” immediately after the tragedy when he claimed that fans had forced the gates open.

He did not give evidence at the trial as the court heard he was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Sheila Coleman, a campaigner for the 96, wrote on Twitter: “Unlawful killing verdicts in Coroner's Court. Duckenfield not guilty. So just who unlawfully killed 96 people?”

Liverpool FC praised the "courage, dignity and resilience" shown by the bereaved families, survivors and campaigners throughout the three decades.

"With further related legal proceedings listed for April and the restriction for commentary, we share the reactions and frustrations by the families today and those affected by the Hillsborough tragedy," it said.

"The journey that reached today’s stage, and will continue, is testament to the perseverance and determination of all involved in the ongoing campaign for justice."