Martin O'Neill: You've been vindicated
Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill has offered words of praise for the families and campaigners who fought to uncover the truth about Hillsborough.
Speaking ahead of our trip to the Stadium of Light this weekend, O'Neill reflected on the Hillsborough Independent Panel report that was released on Wednesday.
The document completely exonerated Liverpool supporters who attended the tragedy 23 years ago and highlighted deep flaws in the actions of the authorities both on the day and in the aftermath.
"It's been going on for so, so long, but it is total vindication for those Liverpool people who felt this was worthy, to fight this all the way," said O'Neill.
"They always felt they had been maligned greatly and it has worked for them.
"I think everyone is in total agreement that it's a total vindication of their thoughts and their viewpoints at the time, and they must draw some sort of comfort from this, even though 96 people still lost their lives.
"In many aspects, it's rather late, but if there is such a thing as a victory for them, it is that.
"It doesn't bring people back, of course, but they have been totally and utterly vindicated."
Meanwhile, Wigan boss Roberto Martinez described the 96 deaths as a tragedy for the whole of football.
He said: "I know that sometimes you see things that are away from your football club, but you feel part of it. I think it affects the whole football family.
"In many ways, it's a moment where a bit of truth allows you to have a bit of closure. All of our feelings and sympathies goes to the families of the 96 people.
"I'm sure that from now on they can fight for justice, but it is an issue that affects the whole football family and we feel part of that. Our thoughts go to them.
"I thought it was a very important moment to try to get that truth and closure which is very important. It was probably the biggest tragedy in British football and that really affected everyone in football."