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Justice for the 96: Football world in solidarity with Liverpool, victims' families

Reuters

The Hillsborough tragedy, which shook English football, and the subsequent cover-up that led to 27 years of grief and heartache for the families of the 96 who died finally received some semblance of justice Monday.

Related - Hillsborough inquest: 96 victims unlawfully killed, Liverpool fans exonerated

The results of the inquest into the worst tragedy in British sporting history has sparked a unanimously positive and sympathetic response from the football world.

The Football Association (FA)

The world's oldest football association, formed in 1863, is the governing body of association football in England. It released a statement following Monday's verdict:

The FA reaffirms its deep sorrow and regret that these tragic events, which occurred at one of its fixtures, led to the loss of life of 96 football supporters on 15 April 1989.

The FA’s sincere condolences remain with the families and friends of the victims.

They have conducted themselves with great dignity throughout these Inquests, during which there has been an exhaustive investigation of the horrific circumstances that took place 27 years ago.

Ultimately, the Inquests stand as testament to the struggle undertaken by the families so the truth might be brought to light.

While much has changed since 1989, The FA and English football in general must continue to recognise, remember and learn from the tragedy. In looking forward, it is important we never forget.

Given the ongoing criminal investigations, there are limitations to what we can say. It is in the interests of all concerned that further consideration of the disaster by the relevant authorities must be allowed to take its course.

Rafa Benitez

Former Liverpool gaffer Benitez, who has long spoken in support of the victims and was noticeably shaken at a 2011 memorial, released a statement Tuesday:

After so many years fighting for justice I am really pleased to see the verdict today, which confirms what we have been saying for a long time. I am especially pleased for the families of the 96 who have sought justice for so long and with such dignity, as well as for the people of Liverpool and for football fans in general. Hopefully this verdict today will ensure that this kind of tragedy can never happen again.

Liverpool

Liverpool released a statement, detailing the events surrounding Monday's verdict:

A 7-2 majority answered "yes" to the question "Are you satisfied, so that you are sure, that those who died in the disaster were unlawfully killed?", prompting cheers from the families gathered at Birchwood Park.

There was further applause inside the court as the jury answered "no" to the question "Was there any behaviour on the part of the football supporters which caused or contributed to the dangerous situation at the Leppings Lane turnstiles?"

In answering 14 general questions laid out by the coroner, Sir John Goldring, the jury decided there was error or omission by police in planning and preparation for the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, and in policing on the day of the match, which caused or contributed to the dangerous situation.

Everton

Merseyside rival Everton was one of the first to react, sharing its sympathy with its peer separated by Stanley Park:

Celtic FC

Glasgow giant Celtic was the first club to play against Liverpool following the tragedy - a match dedicated in the honour of those who died. Celtic released a statement following the verdict:

CELTIC Football Club notes today’s verdict from the Hillsborough inquest which completely exonerates the 96 fans who tragically and unlawfully lost their lives in the 1989 disaster.

For more than 27 long years the families of those who left us on that fateful day have campaigned for justice in the name of their loved ones and today’s news has finally brought that.

Celtic and Liverpool have a strong bond dating back many years and the club sends its thoughts to all those concerned, including Liverpool FC, the City of Liverpool and the Justice for the 96 campaign, whose quest for the truth has today been realised.

You’ll Never Walk Alone

Sheffield Wednesday

The south Yorkshire side, whose home ground was the venue for the tragic events during the Liverpool-Nottingham Forest FA Cup semi-final, responded with a statement:

Sheffield Wednesday FC respond to the conclusions in the renewed inquests of the 96 Liverpool supporters who lost their lives attending the FA Cup semi final at Hillsborough on 15th April, 1989.

First and foremost, we recognise the tireless dedication of the families who have remained dignified throughout this process despite the enormously difficult evidence that had to be heard in detail over the course of the inquests.

Since the disaster, football has evolved immeasurably, with all stadia and associated safety procedures changing beyond recognition in the intervening years.

Both the ownership and leadership of Sheffield Wednesday has also changed in this time and we reiterate that the sincere condolences of the current chairman, board of directors and everyone at the club remain with the families of the 96 and our thoughts are with all those affected by the tragic events of 1989.

Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund, who - since being bested by Liverpool in the Europa League quarter-finals - has seemingly developed a bond of sorts with the Merseysiders beyond their common appreciation of Jurgen Klopp, also showed their support:

Footballers past and present

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