Ayre: Sadness, anger and pride
LFC managing director Ian Ayre today spoke of his 'sadness, anger and pride' following the release of the Hillsborough Independent Panel's report.
Today is a hugely significant day for everyone connected to Liverpool Football Club. What's your initial reaction to the panel's findings?
I guess three things. Firstly, sadness. Sadness that this whole tragedy was avoidable, and that even when it happened more could have been done to save lives. Secondly, anger. Anger at the cover up we now see, and knowing that our fans, the families and victims have been unnecessarily troubled for 23 years because of that. And thirdly, pride - because I think anyone connected to Liverpool Football Club can be proud today, proud at what the families, our fans around the world and fans of other football clubs have contributed to what we have achieved today. The hard pressure and hard work that people put in, the dedication people put in, and the tireless efforts that delivered all that happened today - that gives us great pride as a football club.
How important is it that the wider world now knows the real truth about what happened on that day?
It's vital because even in recent times we've seen people still stick to this myth that Liverpool fans were responsible for this tragedy. They now know what we've known for 23 years, which is that Liverpool fans weren't responsible. We've exonerated ourselves and this report has exonerated them today. That's a vital ingredient in making progress.
You watched the Prime Minister apologise live on TV on behalf of the Government and the country. What stood out most for you about what he had to say?
His use of the phrase 'double injustice'. Not only the fact these people died unnecessarily, but the fact a process ensued and dragged their names through the mud. A final admission from the Prime Minister that this was an injustice and that these things did happen, and that our fans and the victims were exonerated - for me that was the most important part of his statement.
Is today a testament to the tireless campaign the families have undertaken for the last 23 years?
Undoubtedly. I don't think there is anybody who will see or hear about today's report that won't have huge admiration for the families. They are an amazing bunch of people and anybody who is as fortunate as myself to have met them knows how much they have put into this. And it's not just about the families: as I've said before, our fans, and fans from other clubs, that have campaigned to get this today for the families, the victims and the survivors - they all deserve their praise today.
For the club and the families, what do you think happens next?
I guess that's a question for the families, and will probably be initially determined by the findings of the Attorney General, which the Prime Minister mentioned today. All we can say is that whatever transpires, we'll be there to support them as we have been throughout.