Hillsborough survivors have initiated a petition demanding the removal of former Merseyside Chief Constable Norman Bettison’s knighthood. This action follows a scathing report indicating that he would have faced charges of gross negligence in connection with the tragic 1989 Hillsborough disaster, which resulted in the loss of 97 lives. The Independent Office for Police Conduct’s extensive investigation revealed that 12 police officers would have been subjected to gross misconduct proceedings due to significant failures and attempts to shift blame onto fans after the incident.
The report highlighted that the case against Bettison, who served as a chief inspector in Yorkshire at the time, would have focused on allegations of dishonesty regarding his role in the disaster during his application and appointment as the top police official with Merseyside Police in 1998. He was also accused of issuing misleading statements to the press.
The disaster occurred during a FA Cup semi-final match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest on April 15, 1989. Police opened an exit gate at the stadium without proper crowd control measures, leading supporters into a tunnel where the fatal crush occurred.
As victims lay dying, South Yorkshire Police falsely accused Liverpool supporters of causing the tragedy by arriving late, intoxicated, and without tickets. Decades of advocacy by families have debunked these claims, leading the Hillsborough Survivors Support Alliance to urge public support for stripping Bettison of his knighthood and the Queen’s Policing Medal.
The petition emphasizes the need for accountability, citing the profound impact of Bettison’s actions in deflecting blame and spreading misinformation about the fans. It calls for the authorities to revoke his honors as a gesture of acknowledgment for the pain caused by the breach of trust and as a step towards justice for the Hillsborough victims.
Margaret Aspinall, who lost her son in the disaster, questioned the justification for Bettison retaining his knighthood, stating that individuals who deceive should not hold such titles. Sir Norman has refrained from commenting on the demands for the withdrawal of his honors, while his wife declined to comment when approached at their residence.
The petition encourages individuals to join the cause for truth, accountability, and justice for the 97 lives lost at Hillsborough.