On April 15, 1989, tragedy struck at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield, England. During a football match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, 96 people lost their lives and 766 were injured in what would become English sports’ worst stadium-related disaster. This incident sent shockwaves through the country and ultimately led to the complete removal of standing terraces from all major football stadiums in England, Wales, and Scotland.
This ESPN 30 for 30 special revisits this tragic event through interviews with those who attended the match as well as the families of those who were killed. Archival footage provides a comprehensive look into that fateful day, as we gain insight into how such an avoidable tragedy occurred and its lasting legacy on British football culture.
The Hillsborough Disaster holds a unique place in history due to its unprecedented scale, but also because of the official inquiry which followed it. In 1990, an investigation determined that inadequate police control was to blame for the disaster; though this did little to alleviate the grief felt by those impacted by it. The documentary strives not only to remember those affected by this tragedy but also works to ensure that similar events never occur again.
ESPN’s 30 for 30: Hillsborough is essential viewing for anyone looking to understand this horrible tragedy and its consequences both then and now. This insightful examination of one of English football’s darkest days will leave you heartbroken but also inspired by those who have fought tirelessly for justice over the past three decades. So be sure to watch ESPN’s 30 for 30: Hillsborough today – it will surely be an experience you won’t forget anytime soon.
