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In February 1999, in response to a ground-swell of opinion, the Hillsborough Justice Campaign, wrote to all football clubs in the English and Scottish leagues requesting that they observe a minute’s silence at the game they were to play on 15th April (the tenth anniversary of the Hillsborough Disaster). At the same time the group contacted the Chief Executives of the English and Scottish FA’s and the Premier League asking them to endorse the request. Tony Banks, the then Minister for Sport was also informed.
The rationale behind the request was that by observing a minute’s silence, football clubs all over the country would be giving their supporters the opportunity to show a mark of respect to the dead of Hillsborough. It would also offer a gesture of support to bereaved families and survivors whom would derive a tremendous source of comfort.
The response was overwhelming. Both the FA and the Premier League instructed ALL clubs to observe a minute’s silence. The following are extracts from the two organisations:
“I am writing to confirm that the Football Association has informed the participating clubs that there will be a minute’s silence prior to each of the F.A Cup Semi-final ties on 11th April 1999. The Football Association believes that it is particularly significant that a tribute should be paid at the F.A. Cup Semi-final.”
(David Davies, Executive Director, The Football Association)
“In remembrance of all those who lost their lives on that fateful day and as a mark of respect to everyone else who has suffered as a result of the events at Hillsborough , we are asking all our clubs to observe one minute’s silence at their games over the weekend of 17th and 18th April. The whole of football will be united in grief and sadness as we remember the terrible events of ten years ago.”
(Mike Foster, Acting Chief Executive of the FA Premier League)
However, even more pleasing from the campaigns’ point of view was the fact that most clubs responded positively to the request of their own accord and prior to the instructions of the two organisations.
Sadly the one major club that ignored the request was Liverpool. This was in keeping with their policy of ignoring the Justice Campaign. Although they did hold a minute’s silence it was in response to the F.A.’s instruction.
