Footballing rivals unite for pub bomb justice battle
FANS of the region’s big three football clubs put rivalries aside to join together to support families of victims of the Birmingham pub bombings.
Aston Villa, Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion fans laid wreaths at the city’s pub bombings memorial at St Philip’s Cathedral prior to matches last weekend.
The event was organised by the Football Lads Alliance (FLA), a group established after the Manchester Arena bombing in May 22 which took the lives of 22 people. Its mission is to unite fans across the UK against all forms of terrorism.
Saturday’s event was to remember the 21 people killed and nearly 200 injured when two IRA bombs went off in the Mulberry Bush and the Tavern in the Town on November 21, 1974.
Julie Hambleton, whose 18-year-old sister Maxine died, was contacted by John Meighan from FLA to say he wanted to make a gesture of support for the families affected.
Ms Hambleton, of the Justice4the21 campaign, which fights for justice on behalf of their loved ones who were killed, said it was an emotional day which had given the group a huge lift.
A new inquest into the bombings is to be held but families were outraged after it was ruled the issue of the bombers behind the attack will not mentioned in the inquest.
The Justice4the21 campaign is seeking to raise £100,000 to challenge the coroner’s decision. Campaigners have raised nearly £12,000 so far.
Ms Hambleton said: “If every football fan from our West Midlands clubs were able to give just £1, it would make a huge difference to our campaign and significantly improve our chances of raising something like the £100,000 we think we may need.
“Villa and Blues fans were among those killed in the attacks and no doubt they enjoyed the traditional rivalry between the two teams before they were taken from us.”
To support the appeal go to www. crowdjustice.com/case/justice4the21/