Coleraine club’s shock and dismay at Panel’s report

The club was shocked and dismayed at the findings and also the extent of the cover-up.

A statement said: “There was also shock and deep sadness at the fact that medical experts now feel that 41 of the 96 could have been saved.

“This fact alone will be very difficult for some of the families to come to terms with. There was also shock and anger at the lengths the police were willing to go in order to discredit the Liverpool fans on the day and since – both the dead and the survivors.

“On a more positive note, we felt relief for the families of the 96 and for all our fellow supporters that the truth, that we have always believed, has now been proven to be just that. Hopefully this report will bring some peace and even hopefully closure for the survivors of that terrible day 23 years ago.”

The club statement added: “We are so glad for Sheila Coleman and the Hillsborough Justice Campaign. Sheila was invited to attend our dinner dance some time ago so as she could educate us on what happened on that fateful day and the lies that had been told about the supporters who had been at the game that day and the cover up about the mistakes that had been made.

“Everything that she told us that night has been proven to be fact with the Panel’s report. They have fought the good fight for 23 long and hard years to get to where they are now and we, as a club, are so pleased for them.

“Unfortunately for the families this is only the halfway stage in their journey and their fight for justice. The fight continues as they head into the second part of their journey which is hopefully and finally ‘Justice for the 96.’