Remember Heysel

Mr. Presentable

23 years ago today 39 Juventus fans died in the tragedy that led to English clubs getting a five year ban from European competition.

The President of Juventus, Giovanni Cobolli Gigli , commemorates:

http://goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=715845

Gigli Commemorates 23rd Anniversary Of Heysel Tragedy
Juventus President Giovanni Cobolli Gigli has remembered the Heysel Disaster, 23 years to the day of one of Italian football’s darkest hours.

The Heysel Stadium Disaster in 1985 was one of the most catastrophic events in European football history when 39 people, mostly Juventus fans, were killed prior to the European Cup final between the Bianconeri and Liverpool.

The disaster occurred as a result of hooliganism from the English supporters, who breached a fence separating them from Bianconeri fans.

As the Juventini retreated, a wall behind them collapsed, leading to the crushing and suffocation of 39 fans.

“We have to remember,” explained Juventus President Giovanni Cobolli Gigli.

“We are still deeply moved by what happened and we have to continue to promote serenity in football.”

Juventus went on to win the game 1-0 thanks to Michel Platini, and thus secured their first-ever European Cup crown.

However unsurprisingly there would be no celebrations due to what had occurred before kick off, and as punishment, English clubs were banned from Europe for five seasons.

Gianni Wilson

mike65

Indeed a bad day from start to finish. Watched it live on RTE, felt like jacking in the club for a while, well about 24 hours to be honest. At the time I was betwixt and between about the game being played at all.

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N160045080529-0847.htm
http://www.juventus.it/site/eng/NEWS_newseventi_DA9C16BDD1BD4FA29EAF888559A885D7.asp

Mike.

Charlie

Horrible, horrible tragedy.

I know modern grounds can be a bit soulless and lacking in atmosphere these days, but at least lessons were learnt from such mistakes, and fans can attend a match in safety.