Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
At the heart of football As we wait for football’s return we remember those we have lost for ever...
THE plan was for Leeds fans to remember Kevin Speight and Christopher Loftus at Elland Road before tomorrow’s Good Friday game against Stoke.
Last Sunday, on the 20th anniversary of the two fans being stabbed to death in Istanbul, relatives and friends would have gathered by the plaque that bears their names to live out the dedication “Never Forgotten”.
But due to the social distancing Leeds asked everyone to remember the murdered fans in their thoughts. Social media tributes proved that didn’t go unheeded.
Next month, thousands of Bradford City fans (right) should have been gathering in the city’s Centenary Square, on the 35th anniversary of the stadium fire that killed 56 fans and injured more than 200.
But there will be no wreath laying, traffic stopping, singing of Abide With Me or supportive hugging in front of the Fire Memorial Sculpture.
They too will have to remember the fallen in isolation. Just as everyone in Turin will, a few weeks later, on the 35th anniversary of the Heysel disaster.
Next Wednesday, Anfield’s Kop should have been packed for the final anniversary service to remember the 96 fans who died at Hillsborough, 31 years ago. Hundreds more would have laid a wreath at the Anfield and Old Haymarket memorials (below). But it’s not to be.
For those affected by football’s disasters it’s extremely hard to get through the worst day of the year without the physical and emotional support of like-minded people.
There’s no game in which players wear black armbands and a ground falls silent to obey a minute’s silence. No putting your arm around the person next to you if you feel they need a human crutch. Peter Scarfe, the chair of the Hillsborough Survivors Support Alliance, said: “A lot of survivors we’ve put through therapy are suffering really badly at the moment.
“Since we’ve had to stop our monthly support meetings their anxiety levels are sky high. Many can’t face the anniversary most years, but this year when they can’t meet up to support each other, it’s very tough.” The group are planning to do a mini-service on the day through Zoom and are hoping to get survivors from as far away as South Africa to join in via their laptops.
“A couple of us will say a few personal words or read a passage before holding a two-minute silence. We’ll all have a candle and light it throughout the service then leave it burning so it gives us the connection with the eternal flame for the 96,” said Peter.
As it was at Leeds on Sunday, Bradford and Turin next month, it will be very hard for anyone affected by
Hillsborough next Wednesday to remember in isolation, unable to give and receive much-needed assurance through a hug or an inquiry about how they’re doing.
Most of the survivors were in the Leppings Lane pens when the crush happened and witnessed their fellow fans dying. With court cases still going on after 31 years, their pain is far from diminished.
Some have suggested people put a scarf, shirt, photo or any symbol pertinent to the 1989 disaster in their window on the day as a show of support.
“Like clapping the NHS workers it would be great if people could do that. It would mean so much to those affected,” said Peter.
It’s important for all fans to remember that although we’re badly missing football, it will return, unlike some of those in the past who didn’t come back from a game.
Those who believe we are sacrificing a great deal right now by not getting our footballing fix should remember those who sacrificed everything.
This year, more than any other, remember them and the ones they left behind and count your blessings.