EXCLUSIVE: They want ex-chief constable who police watchdogs say should face gross misconduct rap to lose his ‘sir’ status and Queen’s Police Medal
Hillsborough survivors are backing a petition to strip Sir Norman Bettison of his knighthood for the ‘untold damage’ his disaster cover-up inflicted upon them. It comes after the Independent Office for Police Conduct report into 1989 FA Cup semi-final crush that claimed 97 lives this week said Sir Norman should have faced two gross misconduct allegations.
They want the former Merseyside Chief Constable to lose his ‘sir’ status and Queen’s Police Medal awarded for ‘gallantry or distinguished service’. The former South Yorkshire Police chief inspector was found to have given a video presentation to MPs deflecting blame for the tragedy away from the cops and onto Liverpool fans.
He later played down his role in the cover-up when he successfully applied to become Merseyside’s police chief in 1998. Sir Norman, 69, was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in the 2000 Birthday Honours and knighted in 2006.
The Hillsborough Survivors Support Alliance — which offers help to anyone affected by the tragedy including fans who escaped and victims’ relatives — has urged folk to sign a change.org petition to strip him of his gongs. Its official X site includes a link to the campaign and the message: “Please sign this petition, lets show the strength of feeling and get the knighthood removed from Bettison.”
Within hours of its launch the petition to ‘strip Norman Bettison of his knighthood and Queen’s policing medal’ had got nearly 5,000 signatures. It said: “On 15 April 1989, the Hillsborough disaster unfolded — a tragedy that claimed the lives of 97 innocent Liverpool fans, forever scarring the families and communities of those affected.
“For years those who bore witness have been painfully aware of the gross misconduct and unforgivable actions of those meant to protect and serve the public. Among them, former Merseyside Police chief constable, Norman Bettison, plays a significant role in this blemish on justice.
“A recent investigation has brought to light the extent of Norman Bettison’s involvement in the tragedy. It was revealed that had he still been serving as a police officer he would have faced gross misconduct charges.
“This revelation demands accountability and it’s imperative that Bettison no longer be honoured with a knighthood or the Queen’s Policing Medal. Bettison’s part in the attempt to deflect blame from those truly responsible and his role in the misinformation campaign against Liverpool fans, painting them as instigators, has inflicted untold damage on the victims’ families and survivors who have spent countless years fighting for the truth to come to light.
“These honours are supposed to be symbols of integrity and service, not associated with those who bring them into disrepute. The time for action is now.
“We call upon those in positions of authority, those who have the power to amend this gross oversight, to strip Norman Bettison of these prestigious titles. Doing so would serve as a long overdue recognition of the pain and suffering caused by such a fundamental breach of trust and a step towards justice for the victims of Hillsborough.
“Let us stand united for truth, accountability, and justice for the 97 lives lost.” Those who signed the petition slammed the officer’s role in the tragedy.
One wrote: “Typical of UK to reward outrageous gross failure.” Another said: “Should be doing jail time. Has blood on his hands.”
One more added: “Under no circumstances should this man be called a ‘sir’! His conduct while a member of SYP (regarding the Hillsborough disaster) should’ve prevented him from receivìng a knighthood in the first place!”
“This should have been done a very long time ago and also should be taking his police pension too. Justice for the 97,” said another signee. One more said: “He’s been reaping the benefits of his knighthood for years! Time to remove his undeserved privileges and more!”
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