Forest Fans at Hillsborough: Confronting Disaster
The Hillsborough disaster of 1989 is a tragedy that will forever be etched in the memories of football fans around the world. The crush at the Leppings Lane end of Hillsborough Stadium resulted in the death of 97 Liverpool fans, leaving survivors traumatized and scarred for life. However, there is a group of fans who have remained largely silent about their experiences that day – the Nottingham Forest supporters who were present at the match. Now, after 35 years, some Forest fans are finally opening up about what they witnessed and coming to terms with the horrors of Hillsborough.
Acts of Kindness Amidst Chaos
Diane Lynn, who was just 22 years old at the time, found herself in one of the central pens where the tragedy unfolded. She recalls feeling like she was dying, but miraculously managed to escape the crush and make her way onto the pitch. There, in front of the adjacent South Stand, she collapsed in shock. It was at this moment that she and her brother were offered cups of tea and coffee by Nottingham Forest fans. Lynn is grateful for their kindness and wishes she could thank them personally. She believes it is important for people in Liverpool to hear the stories of the Forest fans who were there and understand that they too were part of the tragedy.
Recognition and Relief
In 2021, Lynn responded to a tweet from Nottingham Forest marking the 32nd anniversary of the disaster with a message of support. She signed off on behalf of the Hillsborough Survivors Support Alliance (HSA), expressing that they are there for everyone. This small act meant a lot to Martin Peach, a Forest fan who was just 12 years old on that fateful day. He had vivid memories of a Liverpool fan running toward the Forest fans in despair, dropping to his knees and screaming in anguish. It was a moment that made the Forest fans realize something was seriously wrong. Peach, like many others, has thought about that day every day for 35 years. The acknowledgment from Lynn and the HSA brought a sense of relief and recognition to Forest fans who had been silent witnesses to Britain’s worst stadium disaster.
The Trauma of Silence
For more than an hour, Forest fans could do nothing but watch in horror as the tragedy unfolded before their eyes. Peter Hillier, a 25-year-old Forest fan at the time, remembers the initial confusion and assumption that it was a pitch invasion. But as the seriousness of the situation became clear, Hillier and other Forest fans witnessed the desperate attempts to save lives. Hillier admits that the experience was numbing, and he struggled to process what he had seen. Like many others, he reacted by bottling up the trauma, believing that it was Liverpool’s tragedy and that Forest fans were merely by-products of it. The perception of Forest fans was further damaged by comments from their manager at the time, Brian Clough, who wrongly blamed Liverpool supporters for the disaster.
Finding Healing and Support
In recent years, Forest fans have begun to open up about their experiences and seek support. Amanda Stanger, a Forest supporter who was present at Hillsborough, has been plagued by flashbacks and panic attacks due to her experiences. She worries about the chants that some fellow supporters may engage in during matches against Liverpool. Stanger has taken comfort in talking about her experiences with the support of the HSA and has even set up a Nottingham branch of the alliance. She believes that having a memorial at Forest’s City Ground would provide a place for fans to remember and reflect on the tragedy.
Conclusion
The stories of Nottingham Forest fans who witnessed the Hillsborough disaster have remained largely untold for 35 years. Now, with the support of the Hillsborough Survivors Support Alliance, some Forest fans are finding the courage to share their experiences and seek healing. It is important for people in Liverpool and around the world to hear their stories and understand that they too were affected by the tragedy. By acknowledging their presence and offering support, we can help bring closure to these fans who have silently carried the burden of witnessing Britain’s worst stadium disaster.