Wednesday 15th April 2009 will mark the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster and with that in mind I'm posting this up ahead of the event because it's no good having a rant and moan about it once the event has passed.
The eyes of the world will be on Anfield for the anniversary as they were on Old Trafford for the 50th anniversary of the Munich air disaster last year and I believe that with such a landmark anniversary approaching that the word respect should be at the forefront.
By respect I mean that it shouldn't be as it has been for the past few years. I didn't attend the service in the ground last year, as I didn't the year before that. This all stemmed from what I witnessed in the ground on the 17th anniversary in 2006 when I felt that the meaning of the service was seriously devalued by several who attended. People's cameras flashing during the minute's silence, when the players and ex-players were doing a reading, standing ovation for the players as they arrived and left their seats, etc. A lad I know walked out of last year's one as soon as the fans applauded the players because that's not what the service is about. The players sit on the Kop amongst the fans because on the anniversary of Hillsborough we all unite as community. Players, families, survivors and fans all unite in memory of the 96 who died in Sheffield. It's not an excuse to go with flags, scarves and cameras. I'm not talking about replica shirts because some people feel that is how they wish to show their support as the club badge contains the justice flame. I haven't got a problem with that. I wore black out of choice and I wouldn't impose that on anyone because we do live in a free society so far be it for me to tell people what to wear.
I do feel, however, that a growing number need to be told how to act at the service because as I said before an increasing number are treating it like a day at the match. That's not what the anniversary is about. On the 11th anniversary in 2000, the service was held at the Metropolitan Cathedral. The players in our squad at the time were in attendance as were supporters. Did any get out their flags and scarves? Did any take cameras and start snapping away during the minute's silence? No they didn't and the reason for that is that they were paying tribute to the ninety six people who perished at Hillsborough. The players weren't the centre of attention and weren't there to be photographed en masse by fans, they were there like the rest of us to pay their respects. Why has this been lost on several who attend the service since 15th April 2000?
It is a memorial service, not an excuse for a photo opportunity of the players. They shouldn't be the focus of attention on a day such as the anniversary but people make them so. It's not just embarrassing for those of us there to pay our respects but you can see that the players are uncomfortable about it as well. This isn't what a memorial service takes place for.
I believe that this needs addressing ahead of the 20th anniversary because grumbling and groaning about it after it has passed is no good so that's why it needs discussing and tackling in the build up to it because it is not an excuse to just turn up and take photos of Gerrard and Rafa. Let's make sure that the memories of the ninety six who are commemorated at the service are remembered properly and not make the players the focal point. Saturday afternoons are where they become the centre of attention. A memorial service for 96 fellow supporters isn't and shouldn't be.
Regardless of the new generation that follow our club, everyone has a connection to Hillsborough. I had uncles there that day and my dad drove to Sheffield to pick them up as soon as they phoned home. I was only a baby when it happened so I don't remember anything about that day but I, along with thousands in this city, grew up in the shadow of Hillsborough and it's not something that is in your mind every April 15th and then forgotten until the next year.
The phrase 'Justice for the 96' is constantly used, sometimes over used in my opinion but given the way that things have been going in the ground over the past few years on April 15th, I feel that using the term justice is very apt in terms of respect for those who died at HIllsborough.
We might not be able to do much about the day trippers that come to Anfield of a matchday but we sure as hell can make sure they don't devalue the memorial service that honours those who died watching the team they loved most. This needs to go beyond small talk on websites. The message needs to be spread far and wide as early as possible. This issue needs to be addressed and the club itself can help with this. After all it's their ground that is being opened up for the service. I know it's interdenominal and all that but an increasing number are just using it as an excuse for a day out at Anfield.
How can respect come from an individual who travels up from the likes of Bristol and Brighton with their matchday itinerary (not just replica tops which I have no issue with) and have no respect for those who lost their lives or those who survived? They want their picture of 'Stevie G' and Rafa and two fingers to the rest of us. As long as they get their fill they don't care abuot the rest of us who go and pay our respects. The message of respect needs to be spread far and wide as early as possible which means speaking to the HFSG and the club because it is becoming something of an embarrassment when players are being applauded arriving at and leaving their seats. When Phil Hammond made his speech people are going to applaud him for having the strength to stand up and speak at such an emotional time but they shouldn't be giving standing ovations to the players for reading off a sheet like Fowler and Gerrard received in 2006.
Think back to September 11th this year and the memorial service for those who died that day seven years ago. I don't remember there being chants of 'USA! USA! USA!' ringing round the site of the World Trade Centre. Granted, the UK and America are two different countries who do things differently but something as sombre as the anniversary of Hillsborough should be treated with proper respect.
The respect message won't just apply to the 20th anniversary, it will continue every year that passes after that as well. April 15th should be a time of remembrance, not an excuse to turn up at Anfield in your replica gear, camera and all to get a snapshot of your favourite player.
Bring your scarves if you want, wear a replica shirt if you think it is your way of showing support but DO NOT turn a memorial service into a day out at Anfield where you can do as you please.
