Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
IP addresses are NOT logged in this forum so there's no point asking. Please note that this forum is full of homophobes, racists, lunatics, schizophrenics & absolute nut jobs with a smattering of geniuses, Chinese chauvinists, Moderate Muslims and last but not least a couple of "know-it-alls" constantly sprouting their dubious wisdom. If you believe that content generated by unsavory characters might cause you offense PLEASE LEAVE NOW! Sammyboy Admin and Staff are not responsible for your hurt feelings should you choose to read any of the content here. The OTHER forum is HERE so please stop asking.
Tragedy unfolds at the Hillsborough football stadium on April 15, 1989. A report has found 116 police statements were doctored in a massive cover-up. Picture: David Cannon/Allsport Source: AP
AN INDEPENDENT review of the Hillsborough football disaster has found evidence of an official cover-up with police statements of the day doctored, key facts omitted from record and an active campaign to blame the fans.
On April 15 1989, 96 Liverpool fans died and another 730 were injured in a crush on the terraces of Sheffield Wednesday's ground during an FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.
At the time, police and the British government blamed drunken, ticketless and aggressive fans for causing the tragedy.
Fans were accused of stealing victims and pelting police with bottles and rocks.
But an exhaustive inquiry, based on 450,000 confidential and internal documents, has publicly revealed that while there were many systemic failures that day, lives could have been save if police and ambulance workers had acted properly.
"Not only was there delay in recognising that there were mass casualties, the major incident plan was not correctly activated and only limited parts were then put into effect,'' the report said.
"As a result, rescue and recovery efforts were affected by lack of leadership, coordination, prioritisation of casualties and equipment.''
Significantly, the panel found police officers on duty that day were discouraged from making criticisms of senior officers' responses, management and deficiencies.
Key words such as "chaotic'' were deleted from their reports.
"Some 116 of the 164 statements identified for substantive amendment amended or removed comments unfavourable to the South Yorkshire Police,'' the inquiry concluded.
Evidence was found that the South Yorkshire Metropolitan Ambulance Service also altered statements from its officers and ``in a number of cases they deflected criticisms and emphasised the efficiency of the SYMAS response''.
While it could not say whether any of the failings could have saved an identified life, it found there were people suffering partial asphyxiation and ``a swifter, more appropriate, better focused and properly equipped response had the potential to save more lives''.
Moments after the families of the victims were privately briefed about the findings in the Anglican Cathedral in Liverpool, in London Prime Minister David Cameron told the Commons the tragedy was the greatest peacetime disaster in a century.
He said a previous inquest had sought to blame fans but clearly this was wrong. He said the report clearly found police failure and goes further identifying the failed responses by ambulance services and other including hospitals.
He said evidence now found police had changed the record of events and the media had wrongly published inaccurate reports based on a news agency reports and a local MP.
Mr Cameron said the extent of police to "develop and publicise a version of events", including doing background checks on victims to propel the myth of hooliganism, had never been seen before and was now disturbing and harrowing for families.
He said the original inquest could now be quashed by the courts.
Critically, Mr Cameron said what happened that day and subsequently for the last 23 years was wrong and under the weight of new evidence it was right for him to now apologise for the suffering of the last 23 years.
On behalf of the nation, he said he was "profoundly sorry".
The independent panel, chaired by Anglican Bishop James Jones, spent two-and-a-half years analysing 450,000 documents, including previously unseen police notebooks from the day, were made public for the first time.
Last night, the people of Liverpool observed two minutes of silence as a mark of respect for the victims and held a vigil for their families.
Bells at the Liverpool Town Hall also rang out 96 times as flags across the city were flown at half-mast.
A fan dragged from the crush lies on the pitch at Sheffield Wednesday's Hillsborough stadium on April 15, 1989. An independent panel has found lives could have been saved if police and ambulance workers had acted properly.
Fans view the Hillsborough memorial at Anfield Stadium, the home of Liverpool Football Club.
Carlton Cole relishing Carroll competition at West Ham
The West Ham frontman believes the Liverpool loanee can spur him on to raise his own game, and also had a few words of praise for Yossi Benayoun
Lloris ready to prove himself at Tottenham
The newly signed Spurs goalkeeper enjoyed the international break but is now focused on life at his new club, and says he "will work and earn success" in north London
Manchester City unsure of Stoke return for Aguero
The 24-year-old has been absent since the title holders' first game of the season after hurting his knee but it is unclear whether he will reach his target of a Saturday comeback
Liverpool thank Hillsborough Independent Panel for its report
Following the release of a 394-page report into the 1989 disaster, the club have issued a statement to thank the panel for their findings, with chairman Tom Werner also commenting
Redknapp happy to wait for right offer
The former Tottenham boss will not make a rushed decision to return to management following his sacking in the summer after being the overwhelming favourite for the England post
Aguero insists Manchester City can compete with Europe's finest ahead of Real Madrid clash
The forward, who used to play for Los Blancos' closest rivals, believes the Premier League champions have the quality to challenge Europe's elite for the biggest trophy of all
Coleman hails influence of Everton team-mate Baines
The Irishman has revealed he watches the England defender closely in order to improve as a full-back, a position he is occasionally deployed in by manager David Moyes
'He has it all' - Young hails Manchester United team-mate Valencia
The England international has praised his fellow winger, insisting that the Ecuadorian is a complete player who deserves the accolades recently bestowed upon him
Manchester United face anxious wait over Van Persie fitness
The injury-prone striker was forced off after taking two knees to the thigh in a challenge against Hungary, although boss Louis Van Gaal has played down the extent of the injury
Wenger plays down Diaby injury concerns
The Gunners boss has stressed that the midfielder's fitness is not a major concern and has a "small chance" of playing against Southampton at the Emirates on Saturday
Martinez full of praise for 'phenomenal’ Van Persie
Ahead of his side travelling to face Manchester United at the weekend, the Spaniard has revealed his surprise at the speed the Dutchman has adapted to his new surroundings
Granero has no regrets at leaving Real Madrid for QPR
The 25-year-old left the Spanish giants to become part of Mark Hughes' west London revolution and is keen to help his new side with a crunch game against Chelsea looming
Hillsborough inquiry: Police, politicians and officials implicated as families finally learn shocking truth behind tragedy
An independent panel has disclosed a 400-page document on Wednesday morning summarising its findings from a two-year inquest into the death of 96 football fans
Sep 12, 2012 11:40:00 AM
By David Lynch
The families of the victims of the Hillsborough disaster have today learned of the full, shocking extent of the police mishandling and attempted cover-up which caused and followed the tragedy.
A 394-page report compiled by the Hillsborough Independent Panel has revealed attempts to discredit fans from both police and politicians following the deaths on April 15 1989.
Ninety-six people were crushed to death in the Leppings Lane stand of Sheffield Wednesday's ground as an FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest began.
A subsequent inquiry handed down a verdict of accidental death, though the independent panel has considered several pieces of evidence not made available during that probe.
[TABLE="width: 250"]
<tbody>[TR="bgcolor: #FF3322"]
[TD="colspan: 2, align: center"]'JUSTICE HAS NEVER BEEN CLOSER'[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: LIGHTGREY"]
[TD="colspan: 2"]In 394 harrowing and maddening pages and after 23 years of lies and diversion, the truth, finally, is out.Many in Liverpool have justifiably doubted that this day would or even could come. An apology from a Conservative Prime Minister and the exoneration of the 96 men, women and children who went to a football match and never returned has disgracefully been over two decades in waiting, but the calls for justice from a city that refused to accept the myths and fictions forced upon them have never been allayed. That the wait took this long and that it was made so agonising for the loved ones of the victims to reach this point will forever remain as one of the great scandals of our time. Those that have fought for these truths have been left to walk alone for too long, but on what Steve Rotheram, MP for Liverpool Walton described as a “momentous day”, surely the battle from here will not be as trying or isolated. No longer burdened by lies, the original inquiries into the deaths must be reopened. Justice for the 96 has never felt closer. Jon Birchall | Deputy Editor [/TD]
[/TR]
</tbody>[/TABLE] The panel's report has revealed:
South Yorkshire police disseminated false information to Conservative MP Irvine Patnick, a source for the subsequent infamous story from the Sun newspaper which, under the headline 'The Truth', made false accusations regarding the behaviour of Liverpool fans before, during and after the disaster.
164 statements made by police in attendance that day were later doctored in order to suit a narrative which laid blame on supporters.
116 "negative comments" were removed from these police statements.
Tests for blood alcohol level were performed on all of the 96 victims and, when those proved to be negligible, the criminal records of victims were sought.
Dr. Stefan Popper, who presided over the original inquest into the deaths, had suggested that a probe was unnecessary as the cause of death was already known - despite these being required by law.
31 of the victims still had heart and lung function after 3.15pm, the cut off point by which it was adjudged all victims had died in the original inquest.
The "shortcomings" of the response from emergency services led to the avoidable deaths of 59 of the victims.
Senior police officers accused "drunken marauding fans" of "animalistic behaviour" in the aftermath of the disaster.
South Yorkshire ambulance service wrongly discredited criticisms of its conduct from doctors present on the day.
The Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was fully aware that the original inquiry contained "devastating criticism" of the police.
There is "no evidence of substance" to suggest that the drunken or aggressive behaviour of fans was in any way a contributory factor.
Prime Minister David Cameron has since apologised on behalf of the Government and told the House of Commons that the matter has been handed to the Attorney General with a view to quashing the original inquest verdict.
"The report's findings are deeply distressing," he said in a statement following Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday.
"There are three areas in particular. The failure of the authorities to help protect people. The attempt to blame the fans. And the doubt cast on the original Coroner's Inquest."
The Prime Minister said that "swifter, more appropriate action" from the emergency services could have saved lives.
[TABLE="width: 285"]
<tbody>[TR="bgcolor: #FF3322"]
[TD="colspan: 4, align: center"]CAMERON APOLOGISES OVER HILLSBOROUGH INJUSTICE [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="colspan: 4, align: center"] [/TD]
[/TR]
</tbody>[/TABLE] MP for Liverpool Walton Steve Rotheram has urged the Prime Minister to co-operate in the quashing of the accidental death verdicts of the 96 victims, insisting that overturning the previous judgement could help "change history".
The families of the bereaved were briefed on the contents of the report, compiled by the independent panel over the course of the last 18 months, early on Wednesday morning at the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral and stood to applaud the findings which represented a vindication of their 23-year fight for justice.
"The truth is out today, and the justice starts tomorrow," said Trevor Hicks, who lost two daughters in the tragedy and has led the Hillsborough Family Support Group. "We are not looking for scapegoats, we are looking for accountability."
Sheffield Wednesday, whose Hillsborough ground was at the centre of the tragedy, also welcomed the findings of the panel and offered a fresh apology to the families whose fight for justice took a major step forward.
A club statement read: "Chairman Milan Mandaric and the current board of directors have adopted a policy of complete compliance with the requests of the Hillsborough Independent Panel and on behalf of the club would like to offer our sincere condolences and an apology to all the families who have suffered as a consequence of the tragic events of 15 April, 1989.
"Sheffield Wednesday FC welcomes the release of the Hillsborough Independent Panel report and would like to acknowledge the enormous amount of hard work by all involved during what was, and continues to be, an extremely emotive process."
The world knows the truth: Dalglish and Gerrard join Liverpool owner Werner in hailing Hillsborough justice
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER PUBLISHED: 14:52 GMT, 12 September 2012 | UPDATED: 19:58 GMT, 12 September 2012
Liverpool chairman Tom Werner has said 'the world has heard the real truth' about the Hillsborough disaster.
The publication of the Hillsborough Independent Panel's report revealed South Yorkshire Police had sought to blame fans by instructing officers to change or amend their statements relating to the events of April 15, 1989, when 96 fans died.
Prime Minister David Cameron apologised to the families of those affected, stressing to the House of Commons that the findings had shown fans were not at fault.
The truth: Relatives and friends of the the victims of the Hillsborough disaster took part in a vigil outside Liverpool's St George's Hall on Wednesday
United in emotion: Fans of both Liverpool and Everton gathered in the city and sang "You'll Never Walk Alone"
Werner said: 'On behalf of myself, John (Henry, club owner) and everyone at the club, I would like to extend our thoughts and prayers on this hugely significant and deeply emotional day to everyone affected by the Hillsborough disaster.
'Today the world has heard the real truth about what happened at Hillsborough. As a football club, we will continue to remember those who died and support the families who lost loved ones on that terrible day.
'We hope that today's findings will give some comfort to the families and survivors and go some way to addressing some of the key questions that have hung over the Hillsborough tragedy for the last 23 years.'The club also welcomed the publication of the panel's findings.
A statement on the club's website read: 'Liverpool commends the Hillsborough Independent Panel report which acknowledges the avoidable catastrophic failures before, during and after the disaster. 'The club also welcomes the Prime Minister's apology to the families and survivors on behalf of the Government and await the Attorney General's pending review of the report.
The panel: Raju Bhatt, Sarah Tyacke, Paul Leighton, Peter Sissons, Bishop of Liverpool James Jones (Chairman), Phil Scraton, Bill Kirkup, Christine Gifford and Katy Jones
Joy and pain: Steve Kelly of the Hillsborough Justice Campaign with the report and a floral tribute at Anfield
'After 23 long and painful years, our fans have finally been fully exonerated of all blame. 'Today, the world knows what we have always known, that Liverpool fans were not just innocent on that terrible day but that there was reprehensible and hurtful misrepresentation of the truth.'Liverpool Football Club would like to thank the Hillsborough Independent Panel for its rigorous work over the past two-and-a-half years and for publishing a comprehensive report based on the in-depth research and analysis into hundreds of thousands of documents.'
Former Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has added his voice to the many welcoming the publication of the truth about the Hillsborough disaster and calling for justices for the families affected. 'Very positive outcome. 23 yrs waiting for the truth next step justice,' Dalglish wrote on Twitter. And Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, whose 10-year-old cousin Jon-Paul Gilhooley was among the Hillsborough dead, also added his voice to those welcoming the report's findings.
Day of destiny: Families of the deceased depart the Cathedral after hearing news from the report
'The courage and dignity shown by the Hillsborough families and survivors is an example to all of us,' the England captain said in a statement on the club's website.
'For 23 years they have fought for truth and justice on behalf of the victims and survivors of this terrible tragedy and all Liverpool supporters. 'Victims and survivors suffered not just on April 15, 1989 in Sheffield, but for over two decades afterwards with the shameful slandering of their actions by people who abused their position and power.
'Speaking as someone whose family directly suffered, I know the pain and hurt will remain. However, I hope that today's report helps bring some comfort, now that everyone knows what happened on that day.'Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister offered a 'profound' apology to the families of the 96 people who died, telling the House of Commons that the report made clear that 'the Liverpool fans were not the cause of the disaster'.
Injustice: Prmie Minister David Cameron left the Commons in no doubt the fans were not to blame
Mr Cameron said that Attorney General Dominic Grieve will review the report as quickly as possible in order to decide whether to apply to the High Court to quash the original, flawed inquest and order a new one. It will be for the court to make the final decision.He told MPs: 'With the weight of the new evidence in this Report, it is right for me today as Prime Minister to make a proper apology to the families of the 96 for all they have suffered over the past 23 years.
'On behalf of the Government - and indeed our country - I am profoundly sorry for this double injustice that has been left uncorrected for so long.'Introducing the report to the Hillsborough families at the Anglican Cathedral in Liverpool, Bishop James Jones, the Bishop of Liverpool and chairman of the panel, said: 'For nearly a quarter of a century the families of the 96 and the survivors of Hillsborough have nursed an open wound waiting for answers to unresolved questions. It has been a frustrating and painful experience adding to their grief.'In spite of all the investigations they have sensed that their search for truth and justice has been thwarted and that no-one has been held accountable.
Solidarity: Staff at Everton's club shop decorated a kit with a message for their friends across Stanley Park
Statement: The Hillsborough Independent Panel make public their findings
'The documents disclosed to and analysed by the panel show that the tragedy should never have happened. There were clear operational failures in response to the disaster and in its aftermath their were strenuous attempts to deflect the blame onto the fans.
'The panel's detailed report shows how vulnerable victims, survivors and their families are when transparency and accountability are compromised.'My colleagues and I were from the start of our work impressed by the dignified determination of the families.'He added: 'The panel produces this report without any presumption of where it will lead. But it does so in the profound hope that greater transparency will bring to the families and to the wider public a greater understanding of the tragedy and its aftermath.'For it is only with this transparency that the families and survivors, who have behaved with such dignity, can with some sense of truth and justice cherish the memory of their 96 loved ones.'In its summary the panel said: 'It is evident from analysis of the various investigations that from the outset South Yorkshire Police sought to deflect responsibility for the disaster on to Liverpool fans ... there is no evidence to support this view.'
Momentous day: The Prime Minister's statement is watched in Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral
Twitter support
'Everyone involved in the cover up of Hillsborough is a disgrace and need (to be) punished' - Wayne Rooney.
'Remember being in Barcelona watching the tragedy unfold. 23 years on we learn the truth. 23 YEARS!! A national disgrace!' - Gary Lineker.
'Justice For The 96 To the familes,hold your heads high today,you were right. You'll Never Walk Alone.' - Stan Collymore.
'To an awful lot of people now you understand why we couldn't just get over it' - Phil Thompson.
'Sad day this is in British history. Hopefully, the annals of history are corrected. So that all those to come know the real truth... £JFT96... Not the *truth* that has been forced upon you for 23 years by the mainstream media and its puppets. The actual truth of what happened... Just sat alone, read the report and cried my eyes out. I dont know how anyone could do this to innocent people. Its wrong on so many levels... Everyone that signed the epetition. Anyone that ever voiced doubts over what the media told them or stood for the 96 and their families... Should be proud of themselves today. Be proud of what YOU have forced the government to do. Well done all involved. @HJC-Official £JFT96' - Joey Barton
The documents also reveal the 'extent to which substantive amendments were made' to statements by South Yorkshire Police to remove or alter 'unfavourable' comments about the policing of the match and the unfolding disaster.They went on to say the wrongful allegations about the fans' behaviour later printed in some newspapers, particularly The Sun, originated from 'a Sheffield press agency, senior SYP officers, an SYP Police Federation spokesperson and a local MP'.
The panel said the Police Federation, 'supported informally by the SYP Chief Constable', sought to develop and publicise a version of events derived in police officers' allegations of drunkenness, ticketless fans and violence. 'The vast majority of fans on the pitch assisted in rescuing and evaluating the injured and the dead,' the panel said. The panel said their report raises 'profound concerns about the conduct and appropriateness of the inquests'.
The documents go on to reveal the original pathologists' evidence of a single, unvarying pattern of death was 'unsustainable', the panel said. The families have always disputed the accidental verdict which followed the inquest into the deaths.The report found that 116 of the 164 police statements identified for 'substantive amendment' were 'amended to remove or alter comments unfavourable to SYP.'
One police officer said he only accepted the changes because he was suffering from post-traumatic stress and that he considered it an injustice for statements to have been 'doctored' to suit the management of South Yorkshire Police, the report found.
Tragedy: The events in South Yorkshire changed the face of football in England forever
Prime Minister's Hillsborough statement in full
Today the Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Reverend James Jones, is publishing the report of the Hillsborough Independent Panel.
The disaster at the Hillsborough football stadium on 15th April 1989 was one of the greatest peacetime tragedies of the last century.
96 people died as a result of a crush in the Leppings Lane Terrace at the FA Cup Semi-Final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.
There was a public Inquiry at the time by Lord Justice Taylor which found - and I quote - that the main cause of the disaster was 'a failure of police control'.
But the Inquiry didn't have access to all the documents that have since become available, it didn't properly examine the response of the emergency services, it was followed by a deeply controversial inquest, and by a media version of events that sought to blame the fans.
As a result, the families have not heard the truth and have not found justice.
That is why the previous government - and in particular - the Rt Hon Member for Leigh was right to set up this Panel.
And it is why this government insisted that no stone should be left unturned and that all papers should be made available to the Bishop of Liverpool and his team.
Mr Speaker, in total over 450,000 pages of evidence have been reviewed.
It was right that the families should see the Report first.
As a result the government has only had a very limited amount of time to study the evidence so far.
But it is already very clear that many of the report's findings are deeply distressing.
There are three areas in particular.
The failure of the authorities to help protect people.
The attempt to blame the fans.
And the doubt cast on the original Coroner's Inquest.
Let me take each in turn.
FINDINGS: FAILURE OF THE AUTHORITIES
First, there is new evidence about how the authorities failed.
There is a trail of new documents which show the extent to which the safety of the crowd at Hillsborough was 'compromised at every level'.
The ground failed to meet minimum standards and the "deficiencies were well known".
The turnstiles were inadequate.
The ground capacity had been significantly over-calculated.
The crush barriers failed to meet safety standards.
There had been a crush at exactly the same match the year before.
And today's report shows clearly that lessons had not been learnt.
The report backs up again the key finding of the Taylor Report on police failure.
But it goes further by revealing for the first time the shortcomings of the ambulance and emergency services response.
The major incident plan was not fully implemented.
Rescue attempts were held back by failures of leadership and co-ordination.
And, significantly, new documents today show there was a delay from the emergency services when people were being crushed and killed.
FINDINGS: ATTEMPT TO BLAME THE FANS
Second, the families have long believed that some of the authorities attempted to create a completely unjust account of events that sought to blame the fans for what happened.
Mr Speaker, the families were right.
The evidence in today's report includes briefings to the media, and attempts by the Police to change the record of events.
On the media. Several newspapers reported false allegations that fans were drunk and violent and stole from the dead.
The Sun's report sensationalised these allegations under a banner headline 'The Truth.'
This was clearly wrong and caused huge offence, distress and hurt.
News International has co-operated with the Panel and, for the first time, today's report reveals that the source for these despicable untruths was a Sheffield news agency reporting conversations with South Yorkshire Police and Irvine Patnick, the then MP for Sheffield Hallam.
The Report finds that this was part of police efforts - and I quote - 'to develop and publicise a version of events that focused on - allegations of drunkenness, ticketlessness and violence.'
In terms of changing the record of events, we already know that police reports were significantly altered but the full extent was not drawn to Lord Justice Taylor's attention.
Today's Report finds that 164 statements were significantly amended - and 116 explicitly removed negative comments about the policing operation - including its lack of leadership.
The report also makes important findings about particular actions taken by the police and coroner while investigating the deaths.
There is new evidence which shows that police officers carried out police national computer checks on those who had died in an attempt - and I quote from the report - 'to impugn the reputations of the deceased'.
The Coroner took blood alcohol levels from all of the deceased including children.
The Panel finds no rationale whatsoever for what it regards as an 'exceptional' decision.
The report states clearly that the attempt of the inquest to draw a link between blood alcohol and late arrival was 'fundamentally flawed'.
And that alcohol consumption was 'unremarkable and not exceptional for a social or leisure occasion'.
Mr Speaker, over all these years questions have been raised about the role of the government - including whether it did enough to uncover the truth.
It is certainly true that some of the language in the government papers published today was insensitive.
But having been through every document - and every government document including Cabinet Minutes will be published - the Panel found no evidence of any government trying to conceal the truth.
At the time of the Taylor Report the then Prime Minister was briefed by her private secretary that the defensive and - I quote - 'close to deceitful' behaviour of senior South Yorkshire officers was 'depressingly familiar.'
And it is clear that the then government thought it right that the Chief Constable of South Yorkshire should resign.
But as the Rt Hon Member for Leigh has rightly highlighted, governments then and since have simply not done enough to challenge publicly the unjust and untrue narrative that sought to blame the fans.
FINDINGS: ORIGINAL CORONER'S INQUEST
Third, and perhaps most significantly of all, the Bishop of Liverpool's report presents new evidence which casts significant doubt over the adequacy of the original Inquest.
The Coroner - on the advice of pathologists - believed that victims suffered traumatic asphyxia leading to unconsciousness within seconds and death within a few minutes.
As a result he asserted that beyond 3.15pm there were no actions that could have changed the fate of the victims and he limited the scope of the Inquest accordingly.
But by analysing post mortem reports the Panel have found that 28 did not have obstruction of blood circulation and 31 had evidence of heart and lungs continuing to function after the crush.
This means that individuals in those groups could have had potentially reversible asphyxia beyond 3.15pm in contrast to the findings of the Coroner and a subsequent Judicial Review.
And the Panel states clearly that 'it is highly likely that what happened to those individuals after 3.15pm was significant' in determining whether they died.
RESPONSE
Mr Speaker, the conclusions of this report will be harrowing for many of the families affected.
Anyone who has lost a child knows the pain never leaves you.
But to read a report years afterwards that says - and I quote, 'a swifter, more appropriate, better focused and properly equipped response had the potential to save more lives', can only add to the pain
It is for the Attorney General to decide whether to apply to the High Court to quash the original inquest and seek a new one.
In this capacity he acts independently of government. And he will need to examine the evidence himself.
But it is clear to me that the new evidence in today's report raises vital questions which must be examined.
And the Attorney General has assured me that he will examine this new evidence immediately and reach a decision as fast as possible.
But ultimately it is for the High Court to decide.
It is also right that the House should have an opportunity to debate the issues raised in this report fully.
My Rt Hon Friend the Home Secretary will be taking forward a debate in Government time. And this will happen when the House returns in October.
APOLOGY
Mr Speaker, I want to be very clear about the view the government takes about these findings and why after 23 years this matters so much, not just for the families but for Liverpool and for our country as a whole.
Mr Speaker what happened that day - and since - was wrong.
It was wrong that the responsible authorities knew Hillsborough did not meet minimum safety standards and yet still allowed the match to go ahead.
It was wrong that the families have had to wait for so long - and fight so hard - just to get to the truth.
And it was wrong that the police changed the records of what happened and tried to blame the fans.
We ask the police to do difficult and often very dangerous things on our behalf.
And South Yorkshire Police is a very different organisation today from what it was then.
But we do the many, many honourable police men and women a great disservice if we try to defend the indefensible.
It was also wrong that neither Lord Justice Taylor nor the Coroner looked properly at the response of the other emergency services.
Again, these are dedicated people who do extraordinary things to serve the public.
But the evidence from today's report makes very difficult reading.
Mr Speaker, with the weight of the new evidence in this Report, it is right for me today as Prime Minister to make a proper apology to the families of the 96 for all they have suffered over the past 23 years.
Indeed, the new evidence that we are presented with today makes clear that these families have suffered a double injustice.
The injustice of the appalling events - the failure of the state to protect their loved ones and the indefensible wait to get to the truth.
And the injustice of the denigration of the deceased - that they were somehow at fault for their own deaths.
On behalf of the Government - and indeed our country - I am profoundly sorry for this double injustice that has been left uncorrected for so long.
WHY THIS MATTERS FOR MERSEYSIDE AND THE COUNTRY
Mr Speaker, because of what I have described as the second injustice - the false version of events - not enough people in this country understand what the people of Merseyside have been through.
This appalling death toll of so many loved ones lost was compounded by an attempt to blame the victims.
A narrative about hooliganism on that day was created which led many in the country to accept that it was somehow a grey area.
Today's report is black and white.
The Liverpool fans 'were not the cause of the disaster'.
The Panel has quite simply found 'no evidence' in support of allegations of 'exceptional levels of drunkenness, ticketlessness or violence among Liverpool fans', 'no evidence that fans had conspired to arrive late at the stadium' and 'no evidence that they stole from the dead and dying.'
Mr Speaker, I'm sure the whole House will want to thank the Bishop of Liverpool and his Panel for all the work they have done.
And I am sure that all sides will join with me in paying tribute to the incredible strength and dignity of the Hillsborough families and the community which has backed them in their long search for justice.
While nothing can ever bring back those who have been lost with all the documents revealed and nothing held back the families, at last, have access to the truth.
And I commend this Statement to the House.
Southampton ace Do Prado slapped with 12-month ban after drink-drive guilty verdict
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER PUBLISHED: 11:53 GMT, 12 September 2012 | UPDATED: 11:59 GMT, 12 September 2012
All smiles: Do Prado leaves Southampton Magistrates Court
Southampton striker Guly Do Prado has been banned from the road for a year and fined £2,500 after admitting drink-driving. Do Prado was stopped by police in Southampton on August 27 while driving his £70,000 black Porsche Panamera in the early hours. Officers were responding to reports of a possible drink-driver and followed the two-year-old car before stopping it in the city's High Street at 4.35am, Southampton Magistrates' Court heard.
The Brazilian-born 30-year-old failed the breath test and was found to have 57 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 microgrammes. Dressed in a grey suit jacket, grey cardigan and ripped jeans, Do Prado came to court with several minders. At one point he was told by the court clerk to take his hands out of his pockets.
Ban: The Southampton star was also fined £2,500
Philip Somarakis, in mitigation, said: 'There is no suggestion that Mr Do Prado's driving was affected. He was respectful and compliant. 'He is very sorry to be appearing before the court and bringing unwanted attention on him and his club.'Mr Somarakis said Do Prado's club had already dealt with the matter but he did not give details of any sanction.
The player, whose full name is Guilherme Do Prado Raymundo, and who lives in Channel Way, Southampton, was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge. He was told that if he paid for and completed a drink-drive awareness course he would receive a 25 per cent reduction in his ban.
Manchester City close on £12m move for Fiorentina striker Jovetic
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER PUBLISHED: 05:49 GMT, 12 September 2012 | UPDATED: 11:24 GMT, 12 September 2012
Manchester City are close to winning the £12m race to sign Fiorentina striker Stevan Jovetic.Liverpool and Chelsea have also shown an interest in the 22-year-old Montenegro international.
Talks: Fiorentina Stevan Jovetic (left)
Jovetic almost joined the Blues in the summer but agreed to stay on for one more season to help their push for Europe.
He told Italian newsapaper Gazzetta dello Sport: 'I stopped those negotiations. By the time they had made their move from England I had already decided that I would be staying in Florence.
'Am I happy to still be here? Absolutely and I have no regrets. The objective here is to get back into Europe and I won't leave here until this club is competing at the levels it should be.'
City hope to agree a pre-contract agreement for Jovetic, who has scored 28 goals in 89 appearances since joining from Partizan in 2008. He has also scored 10 goals in just 21 outings for Montenegro.
Arsenal want to prise striker Drogba away from Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER PUBLISHED: 06:23 GMT, 12 September 2012 | UPDATED: 11:00 GMT, 12 September 2012
Arsenal are ready to offer Didier Drogba an escape from his China crisisThe 34-year-old former Chelsea striker has been caught up in a boardroom power struggle just three months after signing a £200,000 a week contract with Shanghai Shenhua.
Unsettled: Striker Drogba Didier
The Gunners, desperate to fill the void left by Robin van Persie, have made enquiries with the Chinese club to see if there is a way of bringing Drogba back to London, reports The Sun.Liverpool and Real Madrid are also ready to pounce if Drogba indicates he wants to leave.
Uncertain future: Drogba and Nicolas Anelka have been caught up in a board room stand-off at Shanghai Shenhua
The Dossier: Lampard and Terry must be sacrificed for Chelsea revolution to take shape
The Blues have shown great promise in attack this season, but aging legs in midfield and defence are hindering their attempts to be effective at both ends of the pitch
Sep 12, 2012 8:00:00 AM
TACTICAL ANALYSIS
By Liam Twomey
After making a thrilling start to the Premier League season, Chelsea’s capitulation at the hands of Atletico Madrid in the Uefa Super Cup final came as a shock to many. In reality, however, the warning signs were there before a rampant Falcao put the Blues defence to the sword in Monaco.
The attacking firepower available to Roberto Di Matteo ensured Wigan, Reading and Newcastle were all seen off with a modicum of comfort, but throughout those victories it was clear that the extraordinary defensive discipline which made last season’s miraculous Champions League win possible is yet to be rediscovered.
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #000000"]
[TD="width: 18%, align: center"]OLD BOYS: Terry and Lampard are restricting Chelsea's tactical revolution[/TD]
[/TR]
</tbody>[/TABLE] The flanks appear to be an area of concern, and this is a logical result of the attacking 4-2-3-1 system the Italian has favoured so far. It is a strategy which has paid off spectacularly going forward, with Eden Hazard and Juan Mata combining brilliantly all over the final third and Fernando Torres finally beginning to show his class of old.
But with three attack-minded players providing the service to Torres, full-backs Ashley Cole and Branislav Ivanovic can often be left to defend on their own against multiple opponents – a situation which arose time and again against Wigan and Reading.
To help alleviate this problem, the midfielders deployed on the flanks must up their defensive work-rate and track back more often. For even if a winger is not a natural ball-winner, his mere presence at least forces the opposition to work harder to break through.
There are more serious issues, however, which are not quite so easily solved – one of which was hinted at in the Blues’ early Premier League encounters but laid bare for all of Europe to see by a confident and well-drilled Atletico side: a complete lack of mobility in the midfield.
As a partnership, Frank Lampard and Jon Obi Mikel have many qualities, but pace is not among them. Once they took the lead, this was something Atletico exploited superbly, allowing the duo to push up towards their massed defensive ranks before retrieving possession and racing, with speed and numbers, past them to attack an exposed Chelsea backline.
This gave Falcao, one of the deadliest finishers on the planet, all the time and space he needed to complete a clinical first-half hat-trick. Indeed he could, and probably should, have scored even more.
Of course, Chelsea can play much better than they did in Monaco, but the central midfield problem will not go away – at least not while Lampard remains at the heart of things.[TABLE="width: 295"]
<tbody>[TR="bgcolor: blue"]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="colspan: 4, align: center"][/TD]
[/TR]
</tbody>[/TABLE] The 34-year-old has been a wonderful servant to the Blues, playing a key role in the most successful period in the club’s history while establishing himself as the finest goalscoring midfielder of the modern era. But he is now an old man in a young team seeking a fresh identity, and it is growing ever harder to picture him maintaining his influence in the new order.
With Torres a confident figure and supported by a formidable array of young attacking talent, Chelsea would no longer be dependent on Lampard’s goals even if he remained capable of providing them. What is required instead is someone who can give the ball to the team’s main creative forces at the right time, before stepping back and allowing them to carry the fight.
Lampard possesses the technical quality to do this, but he lacks the pace and dynamism to run a midfield from a deep-lying position next to a destroyer such as Mikel. Atletico knew this and used it to their advantage. Better teams in bigger matches will surely do the same.
Luckily for Chelsea, however, they already have the perfect man for the job. With his underrated passing range, blistering pace and tireless running, Ramires is the ideal candidate.
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #000000"]
[TD="width: 18%, align: center"]HIGH LIFE: Di Matteo's defence could be more advanced with Cahill replacing Terry[/TD]
[/TR]
</tbody>[/TABLE] His direct ball-carrying through the centre of the pitch would make the transition from defence to attack seamless, while his indefatigable work ethic would ensure Di Matteo’s men were harder to overrun.
Moving him back would also afford the Blues the chance to include another attacking threat behind Torres. Oscar is likely to be that man once he adapts to the Premier League, while fellow summer arrival Victor Moses could also be called upon if a more direct, muscular approach was required.
The other big issue lies in the heart of defence, where another key member of the old guard, John Terry, is showing his age. Years of putting his body on the line and playing through the pain barrier have taken their toll, turning a man who never counted athleticism among his best attributes into a veritable statue in the Blues backline.
The ‘backs-to-the-wall’ approach which characterised last season’s Champions League run suited Terry’s need to operate within his physical limits, but the team’s shift to a more expansive, attacking style renders him obsolete. Long-term, it is impossible to see a place for him in the new Chelsea.
He remains a superb leader, but picking Gary Cahill would give the Blues the option of pressing higher up the pitch and getting their formidable attack involved more easily, while also providing better cover for the moments when David Luiz elects to bring the ball out of defence.
Unlike Terry, Lampard would still have a role to play, much like the one Paul Scholes still does at Manchester United. His experience and winning mentality would prove a great influence on the younger players at Stamford Bridge, as well as being potentially decisive in high-pressure games.
But if the tactical evolution is to continue, the time has come for Chelsea to find new stalwarts. It may rankle with some, but a changing of the guard must happen at some point soon, and delaying will only prolong the pain.
Bentley: I am still good enough for England
The Tottenham winger still believes he is capable of playing for the Three Lions again if he can manage to impress on loan at Russian Premier League club FC Rostov
Meireles: It was very nice to play for Chelsea and I will miss this club
The midfielder has said his goodbyes to the Blues' staff and fans and says he will not forget his time at Stamford Bridge after winning two trophies during his short stint
Reina's agent dismisses rumours of Liverpool exit
The Spanish goalkeeper's representative says the player is "not having an easy time" after a number of high-profile errors but insists his future lies at Anfield
Hazard: I am not at Chelsea to be a star - I want to help my team-mates
The Blues' new recruit insists he still has a lot to learn if he is to adapt his game to the rigours of the Premier League and he is here to help his Stamford Bridge colleagues
Government discussed England missing World Cup after Hillsborough
Papers released following the inquiry have revealed ministers considered removing the Three Lions from Italia 90 following the disaster due to concerns over potential hooliganism
Sep 12, 2012 10:45:00 PM
By Jordan Halford
England could have been withdrawn from the 1990 World Cup, in the aftermath of the Hillsborough disaster, goverment papers have revealed.
Ministers were concerned about the potential of hooliganism ahead of the tournament with former Deputy Prime Minister Geoffrey Howe writing to Margaret Thatcher to express concerns about potential violence.
"The World Cup in June next year provides a natural focus for hooligan activity. And every individual match carries the potential for confrontation," he wrote.
"The committee also looked at the possibility of our seeking the abandonment of the England v Scotland match at Wembley next spring and the withdrawal of England from the World Cup. They felt it would be premature to reach a firm view on either.
"It appears that the Scottish Football Association privately favours cancelling the England v Scotland match, especially if both countries are in the World Cup. So this issue may resolve itself, to everyone's satisfaction.
"Withdrawal from the World Cup is an altogether larger issue. If England withdrew, the likelihood is that the determined hooligans will make their way to Italy anyway and find a different cause to champion."
Mrs Thatcher's press secretary Bernard Ingham also write to the then Prime Minister asking for the cancellation of a friendly with Netherlands, which was subsequently called off.
"You will recall that after the European Championships you asked the FA to consider whether to go ahead with European friendly matches and they cancelled a fixture with Italy at Wembley," he stated.
"However, they have inconceivably gone ahead with the Dutch fixture in the middle of December notwithstanding that Holland has probably the worst soccer hooligan problem in Europe after ourselves.
"The FA do seem to be behaving extraordinarily stupidly in organising a friendly with Holland at a time when, apart from anything else, they should, in their own interest, be cultivating their return to European football proper."
THE editor of Rupert Murdoch's British tabloid The Sun at the time of the Hillsborough soccer stadium disaster has apologised for running a story 23 years ago that blamed fans for the tragedy.
Kelvin MacKenzie said he was ''totally misled'' into running a front-page story headlined ''The truth'', with false claims that supporters picked the pockets of victims and urinated on police.
''Today I offer my profuse apologies to the people of Liverpool for that headline,'' he said in a statement issued hours after an independent panel published a report revealing a huge police cover-up of the tragedy.
MacKenzie said he had based the story on a dispatch from a Sheffield news agency that quoted a senior police officer and an MP making the allegations.
Claude Makelele cleared of assaulting ex-girlfriend
Claude Makelele, the former Chelsea midfielder, has been cleared by a French court of assaulting his British ex-girlfriend.
Claude Makelele at a charity football match earlier this week. Photo: Franck Fife/AFP/Getty Images 3:31PM BST 13 Sep 2012
Thandi Ojeer, an events organiser who had a two-year-relationship with the midfielder, had accused him of punching her in the face during a dispute at the home they once shared in the Paris suburbs.
Prosecutors had asked for the former Real Madrid player and France international to be given a five-month suspended prison sentence.
But a judge on Thursday dismissed Miss Ojeer's case and her claim for 90,000 euros compensation and ordered her to pay 2,000 euros for bringing an unsubstantiated civil claim to court.
Miss Ojeer had alleged that Makelele had assaulted her in October 2010 when she returned to their flat to collect clothes and other belongings, four months after the former player had abruptly ended their relationship.
Makelele's lawyer confirmed during a trial in June that there had been a dispute but said his client had used legitimate force to defend himself.
Di Matteo confirms Chelsea duo Terry & Cole will be fit for QPR clash
The experienced defenders both missed games for England in the international break due to ankle injuries but both have recovered in time for the clash with the Hoops this weekend
Klose reveals late Tottenham interest
The 34-year-old Germany international has stated that a move to White Hart Lane was discussed late in the transfer window but that he chose to stay in Serie A instead
Sir Alex Ferguson confirms Van Persie & Kagawa fit to face Wigan
The Red Devils will have almost a full-strength squad to pick from with Jonny Evans also back in contention, while Darren Fletcher makes a welcome return to the squad
'If he is not happy, then he'll have to go' - Wenger responds to Sagna comments but expects defender to stay at Arsenal
The France international questioned the Gunners' transfer policy last week but despite his frustrations his manager fully expects the full-back to remain in north London
Manchester City plan raid for Barcelona youngsters
The Premier League champions' new CEO is looking to pick the best young talent from his former side as the Citizens look to the future
Wenger: Arsenal will not sign Drogba
The 34-year-old forward left Stamford Bridge at the end of last season but reports coming out of China have suggested that he could be looking for a move already
Pep talk: Arsenal ask Guardiola to give Emirates Stadium presentation
The former Barcelona manager has indicated he is keen on delivering a presentation at a one-day seminar for coaches and football specialists at Arsenal's stadium
Rooney boost for Manchester United as striker returns to light training
The England forward has been doing outdoor running, ball work and turning, separate from the first-team squad and is understood to be optimistic over being fit to face Liverpool
FA chairman David Bernstein issues apology after the Hillsborough report's release
After the panel released their findings on Wednesday, the FA apologised to the bereaved families because the stadium did not have a valid safety certificate at the time
Hillsborough inquiry: Rodgers 'shocked' by revelations from Panel's investigation into 1989 tragedy
The 39-year-old has talked of his happiness for the families of the stadium disaster after an independent panel released a report clearing Liverpool fans of any blame
It is a compliment that Barcelona buy Arsenal players, claims Wenger
The 62-year-old also believes that members from his "well-educated" squad suit the playing style of the Spanish club
Fiorentina deny agreement with Manchester City over Jovetic deal
Roberto Mancini was keen to sign the Montenegrin in the summer transfer window and may well attempt another deal but Viola chiefs refute that a move has already been confirmed
'I am an Arsenal man' - Wenger
The 62-year-old has declared his loyalty to the north London side but the Gunners boss has refused to look beyond the two years left on his current deal at the Emirates
Hillsborough inquiry: Boris Johnson issues apology for 2004 comments
London Mayor has apologised for comments he made, in which he claimed Liverpool fans were "mindless" during the disaster in 1989, after the release of previously unseen documents
Manchester United send Kagawa for back scans
Old Trafford staff are concerned about the injury sustained by the Japanese star on international duty as they also sweat over the fitness of Robin van Persie ahead of Wigan clash
O’Neill unsure over Adam Johnson fitness ahead of Liverpool clash
The Northern Irishman has revealed that the winger, who withdrew from the England squad with injury, is a doubt for his side's next Premier League game at the Stadium of Light
Wenger: Sagna loves Arsenal and will not leave
The Frenchman has insisted the defender, who recently expressed his unhappiness with the north London club's transfer policy, still wishes to remain at the Emirates Stadium
I was 'flattered' by Tottenham interest, says Porto midfielder Moutinho
The 25-year-old has labelled Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas as "one of the best coaches in Europe," but insisted that he is focused on the future with his current club
Wenger will be offered a new Arsenal contract, Gazidis confirms
The Gunners' chief executive has insisted that the French manager is written into the club's DNA and claims that they have shown "high ambition" in recent seasons
Meireles: It was very nice to play for Chelsea and I will miss this club
The midfielder has said his goodbyes to the Blues' staff and fans and says he will not forget his time at Stamford Bridge after winning two trophies during his short stint
Reina's agent dismisses rumours of Liverpool exit
The Spanish goalkeeper's representative says the player is "not having an easy time" after a number of high-profile errors but insists his future lies at Anfield
Hazard: I am not at Chelsea to be a star - I want to help my team-mates
The Blues' new recruit insists he still has a lot to learn if he is to adapt his game to the rigours of the Premier League and he is here to help his Stamford Bridge colleagues
Manchester City announce building work to commence on new ground-breaking academy
The current reigning top flight champions have unveiled plans to develop a new training facility for both the youth teams and senior side right next to the Etihad Stadium
Sep 14, 2012 7:05:00 AM
Manchester City have announced that they are to begin work on a state-of-the-art academy to be ready for the start of the 2014-15 Premier League season.
The training facility will also be available to the first-team and will be built adjacent to the Etihad Stadium on an 80 acre site, with BAM Construction, part of the Royal BAM Group chosen as their construction partner for the project.
The City Football Academy as it shall be known, will provide a centre for up to 400 young players as well as housing the new training base for the first-team and operational functions.
Former Arsenal, Inter Milan and Juventus midfield Patrick Vieira, now a football executive at Manchester City, believes that the project is not only a hugely exciting one but necessary in helping to shape the future of the club.
"What I find really exciting about the project is that before designing the facilities they have been to the football world, the basketball world and the NFL world, so a lot of hard work has been done around the project," Vieira explained.
"That is why I believe it is the best project around in all sports because people have spent a lot of time travelling around the world and trying to capture the best in every sport and bring it here."It is a long-term commitment from the football club and I am really excited about it because once you see the pictures, then you can't wait for the work to start.
"I think the club are creating something fantastic because when you are a footballer you want to develop yourself and are looking for the best facilities to do so. "I think those facilities will give all the young players from the youth to the first team the chance to improve themselves and to challenge themselves.
"Especially for the youth, because when you bring a young talented player to your club, you want to give them the best chance to achieve their dream of playing for our first team, and I think those facilities will give them what they will need to improve themselves.
"Something really clear is that since Sheikh Mansour has taken over he always wanted the club to be sustainable, and I think that this proves that is really important to him.
"So this is a long-term project and the club is going up and the project makes it really exciting."
The development will also include up to 200 classrooms, on-site accomodation for both senior and junior players, staff offices, a dedicated media centre and 16.5 football pitches, 12 of which have been dedicated to players aged from 8 to 21.
Designs will feature a state-of-the-art first-team building with changing rooms, gym, refectory and injury and rehab centre and a 7000 capacity stadium for youth-team matches, while there will be a bridge linking the new facility to the Etihad Stadium close by.
The club's chief executive Ferran Soriano, having only just moved to Manchester City from a similar role at Catalan giants Barcelona, echoed Vieira's thoughts that this latest step highlighted the owner's long-term commitment to the club.
"Today is an extremely important day for the future of Manchester City," he told reporters.
"The development of young and homegrown players is central to our strategy of creating both a winning team and a sustainable football club – an ambition outlined by Sheikh Mansour at the outset of his ownership in September 2008.
"We are now in a position, after four years of research and planning, to execute that strategy."
Bolt could play for Manchester United, joke Evra and Vidic
The defenders say the Jamaican sprinting legend would be a good addition to the squad, and hinted that their positions could be under threat if Sir Alex did sign him up
Sep 13, 2012 10:15:00 PM
By Glenn Noble
Manchester United defenders Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic both believe Usain Bolt would be able to work his way into Sir Alex Ferguson's starting XI, with the defenders joking that their positions could be under threat.
Bolt has previously spoken of his desire to play for United, while Sir Alex has said the sprinter, who won gold in the 100m and 200m at the London 2012 Olympics, could feature in a charity match next year.
Evra and Vidic were both in jovial moods as they laughed about the Jamaican competing for each other's positions.
"With his pace I think he would be good at left back," Vidic joked on YouTube.
Evra then hit back saying that the 26-year-old would be more suited to Vidic's position: "He's a tall guy, I think more of a centre back."
The full-back also had words of warning for striker Javier Hernandez, saying Bolt could be deployed as a striker: "He can play as a striker as well, long ball, he can go behind the defender, why not?"
The France international also joked that Bolt would have to share his Olympic medals with him.
Evra said: "He can play, just as long as he gives me all of his trophies."
'There's nothing worse' - Rooney reveals fear of infamous Sir Alex Ferguson 'hairdryer' treatment
Many Red Devils players have been the subject of the Scot's rants, and the 26-year-old's new autobiography tells just how it feels to be on the receiving end
Sep 14, 2012 9:53:00 AM
By Tom McKeown
Wayne Rooney has revealed all over Sir Alex Ferguson's legendary 'hairdryer' treatment, including one explosive rant just before the Manchester United players went to lift the Premier League trophy.
The Red Devils striker, who is currently out of action with a thigh injury, made the revelations in his new autobiography which marks 10 years playing in the Premier League.
United manager Sir Alex is famous for having a temper, but Rooney’s book has revealed the extent of the 70-year-old’s tirades, and just how the players feel when on the receiving end.
"There’s nothing worse than getting the 'hairdryer' from Sir Alex," said Rooney.
"When it happens, the manager stands in the middle of the room and loses it at me. He gets right up in my face and shouts.
"It feels like I've put my head in front of a BaByliss Turbo Power 2200. It's horrible.
"I don’t like getting shouted at by anyone. It's hard for me to take, so sometimes I shout back. I tell him he's wrong and I'm right."
The 26-year-old also admitted that the United players did not escape the hairdryer even when they had won the league title and were going to lift the trophy.
The Red Devils won the title in 2006-07 with two games remaining but suffered a last day defeat to West Ham, and Sir Alex tore into the players just before the presentation.
"Most sides would be celebrating in the dressing-room, getting ready for the champagne and the photos," said the England international.
"Not us. We're staring at the floor like school kids, the manager giving us the 'hairdryer'.
"After the rollicking it takes a while before everyone cheers up enough to put their Premier League-winning smiles back on."
Hazard: I wanted to wear No.10 at Chelsea because Zidane was my role model
The attacker wanted to repay faith shown in him by the France legend after the Madrid man admitted that he would have signed him for the Spanish giants if he was given the chance
Sep 13, 2012 8:45:00 PM
By Michael Lightfoot
New Chelsea signing Eden Hazard wanted the No.10 shirt at Stamford Bridge so he could be just like his role model Zinedine Zidane.
The former Real Madrid and France international wore the shirt for his country and the Belgian wanted to pay the biggest compliment to the World Cup winner but failed in his bid as Juan Mata would not give it up, instead accepting the No.17.
Speaking to the media last year, Zidane, who is now an advisor at Real Madrid, said that he "would sign Hazard with [my] eyes closed".
The 21-year-old returned the compliment by admitting a fight for the shirt number because the French international was his role model.
He told Champions Matchday magazine: "I've always liked the number 10, because it is was worn by Zidane. He was my role model, I've always wanted to play like him.
"When he started talking about me, I didn't understand what was happening any more. But he must have said that about other players, so I knew I had to keep on working."
The attacking midfielder won France's Young Player of the Year in 2009 and 2010 and Player of the Year in 2011 and 2012, making him become the first footballer to win both awards since Zidane.
While all around him changes Arsene Wenger remains the only man for Arsenal
The French manager has come under scrutiny in recent seasons due to the Gunners' lack of silverware but his principles could pay off in the era of Financial Fair Play
Sep 13, 2012 12:25:00 PM
COMMENT
By Oliver Platt
There was a time when leaving Arsenal usually meant the beginning of the end for a player. As the 'Invincibles' of 2003-04 aged, Arsene Wenger wisely chose to cash in on his stars while they still held value and in their place came the fresh faces of a new generation to take the Gunners forward.
Thierry Henry hoarded medals after joining Barcelona but was never in the Uefa Team of the Year during his time in Catalonia, an accolade he had earned five times with Arsenal. Injuries troubled Patrick Vieira at Juventus and Inter. Robert Pires enjoyed a successful spell with Villarreal, but never threatened to repeat the brilliant goalscoring heights he had achieved in north London.
The way that has changed in recent years is a problem for Arsenal and stopping it is the single biggest challenge Arsene Wenger faces in preserving his legacy as not only the most successful manager in the club's history but as one of English football's most iconic and brilliant coaches.
It began with Ashley Cole and the lure of Europe's new mega-rich elite has continued to trouble Wenger, with Cesc Fabregas attracted by the prospect of returning home to one of the greatest clubs in history and Samir Nasri, Gael Clichy and Robin van Persie all desperate to win league titles that have looked some way out of Arsenal's reach.
Through it all, Wenger has stuck to his principles and his belief that a football club should not be detached from society as a whole. The current levels of spending, he believes, are not sustainable and when that situation is regulated and rectified, Arsenal will rise again.
"Financial Fair Play will come through because big clubs who have been spending a lot are worrying now," Wenger said recently. "They ignored it until now, but finally we see that they are getting concerned.
"We are run in a very responsible way. We make a profit every year and I think that's where nearly everybody is struggling in Europe. We find ourselves in the situation of Germany in Europe.
"I'm convinced that society will force football to become more reasonable. The standard of living is dropping, and you cannot imagine that will happen in society while football continues to push up with inflation. That can't work together."
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: black"]
[TD="colspan: 2"]WENGER'S ROLL OF HONOUR[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 80%, align: left"]GAMES
WON
DRAWN
LOST
WIN PERCENTAGE
MAJOR HONOURS [/TD]
[TD="width: 20%, align: center"]904
515
217
172
57%
7 [/TD]
[/TR]
</tbody>[/TABLE] There are reasons to be optimistic. Financial Fair Play, although imperfect, is a sign, as Wenger pointed out, that Uefa are beginning to realise that the current state of play cannot go on.
The signs on the pitch, too, are encouraging. Concerns quickly arose when, without Van Persie, Arsenal failed to score in their first two matches but their counter-attacking potential was there for all to see when Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla helped them to a 2-0 victory over Liverpool. Still, even in this world of outlandish spending, Wenger continues to find value in the market.
His ability to spot and develop young players also remains unmatched. Injury is the only thing that looks like stopping Abou Diaby from ensuring that the disappointment of losing Alex Song to Barcelona is quickly forgotten, while Jack Wilshere – finally – seems to be edging closer to a return. Much has been made, meanwhile, of the 'Steve Bould effect' on the Arsenal defence and it is true that they look a more organised and, importantly, more physical team this season, which their flawless defensive record has so far reflected.
There may be opportunity, too, for Wenger to stretch the purse strings further in the coming years, although there is no doubt that he will remain faithful to his doctrine of sustainability. In his spirited backing of the manager Ivan Gazidis claimed that the club would receive a significant boost to its coffers when they re-negotiate commercial contracts that were agreed in 2004 in two years' time.
"In terms of the financial impact, it will be as significant a step forward as the stadium was in 2005," Gazidis told the Telegraph. "It does kick us into the top five clubs in the world with separation from the rest. The overall journey that the club embarked on was to make it one of the leading clubs in the world and to do it in a way that would be sustainable."
"I am an Arsenal man," Wenger said when discussing a possible new contract. "I think I have always shown that. I have to consider if I do well or not. If I don't do well, I have to consider my future."
It has been a difficult few years for the Arsenal man but his unshakeable belief in his own principles might just be about to pay off. Now, more than ever, Arsene Wenger is the man for the job.
