Liverpool legends Robbie Fowler and Jamie Carragher blast cops over Hillsborough probe
Liverpool football legends Robbie Fowler and Jamie Carragher blasted the Police Federation for branding the horror Hillsborough disaster report a ‘significant waste of taxpayers’ time and taxpayers’ money’.
The South Yorkshire branch of the cops’ union moaned the Independent Office for Police Conduct’s study into the 1989 FA Cup semi-final crush – which left 97 Liverpool fans dead – was ‘not fair or balanced’ and featured ‘opinions dressed up as statements of almost fact’.
The federation said 12 cops the police watchdog said should have faced gross misconduct raps over the disaster had no right of reply and faced ‘trial by media’.
Liverpool striker Robbie, 50, tweeted: “Wow…unbelievable this..parody account?”
Ex-Liverpool and England defender Carragher, 47, now a top telly pundit, reposted a message from regional TUC secretary Jay McKenna slamming the federation.
It read: “Shocking from the South Yorkshire Police Federation. Complaining of ‘trial by media’ when it was their own secretary in 1989 who peddled the lies that used the media to blame Liverpool fans.
“Complaining about fair and balanced? Whoever wrote this should be ashamed – and own up.”
Liverpool West Derby MP Ian Byrne said the federation’s statement was ‘absolutely disgraceful’ – but in ‘keeping with tradition sadly & shamefully’.
He tweeted: “They dare to whine about ‘trial by media’ when it was their own secretary in 1989 who spread the lies that weaponised the media against Liverpool fans and was fundamental to the cover up.
“And now they have the nerve to demand fairness and balance? Whoever signed this off should consider their position.”
The Hillsborough Survivors Support Alliance told the federation: “As a professional body you should be ashamed of that statement. The dignity shown by the families of the 97 and us survivors is such contrast to the blatant lack of awareness shown by yourselves. Shame on you all.”
The police watchdog said officers tried to blame fans for a terrace crush caused by their own failings – then attempted to cover up their own cover-up.
