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Hillsborough survivors call for former Chief Constable Norman Bettison to lose knighthood

It comes after a damning report said he would have faced gross negligence charges over the 1989 disaster which claimed 97 lives

[Sir Norman Bettison]

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Sir Norman Bettison(Image: Getty Images)

Hillsborough survivors have launched a petition calling for former Merseyside Chief Constable Norman Bettison to be stripped of his knighthood.

It comes after a damning report said he would have faced gross negligence charges over the 1989 disaster which claimed 97 lives. The Independent Office for Police Conducts 150 million investigation found 12 police officers would have faced gross misconduct proceedings for fundamental failures on the day and concerted efforts to blame fans in the aftermath.

The IOPC report said the case against Bettison - who was a chief inspector in Yorkshire at the time - would have centred on allegations he was deliberately dishonest about his involvement in the disaster during his application for, and appointment to, the top police role with Merseyside Police in 1998. He was also accused of giving misleading press statements.

[Former Merseyside Chief Constable Norman Bettison]

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Former Merseyside Chief Constable Norman Bettison(Image: PA)

The tragedy happened as Liverpool faced Nottingham Forest in an FA Cup semi-final on April 15, 1989. Police opened an exit gate to the ground to alleviate crowding outside the Sheffield Wednesday stadium. They failed to direct supporters away from the tunnel leading to the central pens where the crush happened.

As people lay dying South Yorkshire Police were smearing the Liverpool supporters, saying they caused the disaster as they arrived in huge numbers late, drunk and without tickets.

After decades of campaigning by the families those claims have been proven untrue. The Hillsborough Survivors Support Alliance is now urging people to back calls to strip Bettison of his knighthood and the Queens Policing Medal.

[Supporters are crushed against the barrier as disaster strikes before the FA Cup semi-final]

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Supporters are crushed against the barrier as disaster strikes before the FA Cup semi-final(Image: Getty Images)

Their petition says: 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.

[The Hillsborough Memorial at Anfield]

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The Hillsborough Memorial at Anfield(Image: PA)

It continues: 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 its 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.

It adds: Sign this petition to demand that Norman Bettison be stripped of his knighthood and the Queen's Policing Medal. Let us stand united for truth, accountability, and justice for the 97 lives lost.

Earlier this week Margaret Aspinall, who lost her 18-year-old son James at Hillsborough, questioned why Bettison should keep his knighthood.

She said: Liars should not have knighthoods. What has he got a knighthood for? For going to the House of Commons, to Parliament, and trying to give a narrative, his narrative, and not the truth's narrative."

Sir Norman has declined to comment on the calls for him to be stripped of his honours. Speaking at the gate of their large detached home earlier this week his wife said: No comment.

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