Stavrina Asteriou
The Hillsborough disaster refers to the tragic deaths of 97 football fans at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield, UK, on 15 April 1989. The tragedy occurred due to a crush during a match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest and was later ruled as unlawful killing caused by numerous police errors. Since then, the number 97 and related symbolism have become associated with the incident, often used to commemorate the victims. However, some individuals have been criticised and even arrested for wearing T-shirts that appear to mock the tragedy, sparking outrage and debates about the boundaries of free expression.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| T-shirt colour | Red |
| T-shirt price | £20 |
| T-shirt design | Large number 96 on the back, the word “karma” on one sleeve, a red rose on the front and back, and the slogan “What goes around comes back around” on the back |
What You'll Learn
Topman withdraws offensive Hillsborough T-shirt
Topman has withdrawn a T-shirt from sale after criticism that it appeared to mock the victims of the Hillsborough disaster. The red shirt, with a large number 96 on the back, is being interpreted by some Liverpool fans as a reference to the club's kit and the number of victims killed in the 1989 tragedy.
The shirt also features the words "What goes around comes back around" and "Karma" on the sleeves. The design has caused outrage, with relatives and survivors of the 96 Liverpool fans who died saying it insults their memory. Louise Brookes, whose brother Andrew died in the tragedy, and MP for Wirral South Alison McGovern were among those calling for it to be removed from sale.
In response to the criticism, Topman issued an apology, saying the design was inspired by a Bob Marley track and the number refers to the year of its re-release. The company stated: "Topman apologises unreservedly for any offence caused by this T-shirt. The garment has been removed from sale online and in stores."
Despite the apology, the incident has sparked outrage and debate on social media, with some Twitter users expressing their disgust and calling for a boycott of the retailer. The incident has once again brought attention to the tragic events of the Hillsborough disaster, in which 96 people lost their lives, and the ongoing quest for justice and remembrance by the families and survivors.
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Man arrested for wearing offensive Hillsborough T-shirt
A 50-year-old man was arrested and charged with displaying threatening or abusive writing likely to cause distress after wearing a t-shirt that appeared to mock the victims of the Hillsborough tragedy. The man, James White, was spotted wearing the offensive t-shirt at the Brewers Arms pub in Worcester and was promptly ejected by the landlord. The t-shirt featured a slur that suggested the 1989 tragedy, which claimed the lives of 96 people, was "God's way" of helping a pest control company.
Superintendent Kevin Purcell of the West Mercia Police expressed understanding for the distress caused by the t-shirt and thanked the landlord and patrons of the pub for their support in reporting the incident. White was charged under Section 4a of the Public Order Act 1986 and was ordered to appear before magistrates in Willesden.
This incident is not the first of its kind, as there have been previous instances of fans using the tragedy to cause gross offence. The Football Association (FA) strongly condemned White's actions, stating that they would not tolerate abuse relating to Hillsborough or any football tragedy at Wembley Stadium. They emphasized that swift action would be taken against perpetrators.
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James White's abhorrent Hillsborough T-shirt
James White, a 33-year-old Manchester United fan, caused widespread outrage by wearing a T-shirt that mocked the victims of the Hillsborough disaster. The incident occurred on June 3, 2023, when White attended the FA Cup final between Manchester United and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium.
The T-shirt in question featured the number 97 and the words "Not Enough" on the back. Ninety-seven football fans died as a result of a crush at a match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough Stadium in 1989. This tragedy is known as the Hillsborough disaster.
When confronted about the meaning of the T-shirt, White initially claimed that it referenced his grandfather, who had died at the age of 97 and "didn't have enough kids." However, this explanation was not widely accepted, and the T-shirt was widely condemned as offensive and abhorrent.
As a result of the incident, White was arrested and pleaded guilty in court to displaying threatening or abusive writing likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress. He was fined £1,000, ordered to pay a surcharge of £400 and £85 in costs, and banned from attending football matches for four years. Additionally, Manchester United issued an indefinite ban on White from the club.
The Hillsborough disaster is a sensitive topic, and any form of mockery or disrespect towards the victims and their families is unacceptable. The incident involving James White's T-shirt highlights the importance of respecting the memory of those who lost their lives in the tragedy and ensuring that such abhorrent behavior is not tolerated.
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Hillsborough T-shirts for sale online
The Hillsborough disaster refers to an incident that occurred in 1989, where 96 Liverpool fans died in a stadium disaster. T-shirts that appear to mock the victims of the disaster have caused controversy, with retailers facing criticism for their sale.
There are, however, many T-shirts available for sale online that commemorate the Hillsborough disaster and support the victims. These include:
- Etsy offers a Hillsborough Sweatshirt, a vintage college university souvenir gift with "Hillsborough New Jersey" printed on it.
- Etsy also has a Hillsborough, Stadium, Print, Sheffield, Wednesday, Football, Poster, Soccer, Gift for him, Gift for Boyfriend, Sheffield Art T-shirt available.
- Redbubble offers a Hillsborough Disaster Memorial Long T-Shirt.
- Formalwear Outlet offers Hillsborough Short and Long-Sleeve T-shirts.
- Redbubble also offers a Hillsborough North Carolina A Little Piece of Heaven Classic T-Shirt.
- Etsy offers a Hillsborough, North Carolina, short-sleeve T-shirt.
- Redbubble has a Hillsborough River State Park Florida Classic T-Shirt for sale.
- Redbubble offers a Hillsborough New Jersey Classic T-Shirt.
- Etsy offers a Hillsborough, Oregon Retro T-shirt, with a 70s/80s style design.
- Redbubble has a Hillsborough California Classic T-Shirt available.
- Redbubble also offers a Hillsborough Castle, Ireland Classic T-Shirt.
- Redbubble offers a Hillsborough River State Park Florida Live Love Camp Retro T-Shirt.
- Etsy offers a Hillsborough, Sheffield Wednesday Street Sign Design Kids' T-shirt.
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Hillsborough T-shirts as revenge
The Hillsborough disaster, which occurred on April 15, 1989, resulted in the deaths of 97 football fans. The tragedy was caused by a crush at a match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield. In the years since, the incident has been referenced in a variety of T-shirts, some of which have sparked controversy and outrage.
One such instance occurred in 2018 when the retailer Topman came under fire for selling a T-shirt that appeared to mock the victims of the Hillsborough disaster. The shirt, priced at £20, featured a large number 96 and the slogan "What goes around comes back around" on the back, with the word "karma" on one sleeve and a red rose on the front and back. The design was met with widespread disgust, particularly from Hillsborough relatives and survivors, who viewed it as an insult to the memory of the 96 Liverpool fans who lost their lives in the tragedy. In response to the backlash, Topman issued an apology and withdrew the item from sale.
In another incident, a man was arrested at Wembley Stadium in June 2023 for wearing a Manchester United shirt with the number 97 and the words "Not Enough" on the back, which was perceived as a reference to the Hillsborough disaster. The shirt sparked outrage and went viral on social media, leading to the man's arrest on suspicion of a public order offence.
The Hillsborough tragedy has also been commemorated in T-shirts designed to show support and seek justice for the victims. These shirts often feature phrases such as "Justice for the 96" or "You'll Never Walk Alone" and are sold by various retailers and online platforms.
While some T-shirts have been created to honour the memory of those who lost their lives, others have been used as a form of revenge or retaliation. For example, in response to the offensive T-shirt worn by the man at Wembley, internet pranksters targeted him with a series of eccentric "gifts" sent to his home, including taxis, takeaway food, a mini-horse, and even a male prostitute.
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Frequently asked questions
The T-shirt featured the number 96, the slogan "What goes around comes back around", the word "karma" on the sleeve, and a red rose on the front and back.
People thought the T-shirt was referencing the Hillsborough disaster, in which 96 Liverpool fans died in 1989. The red colour and rose were seen as particularly significant, as was the reference to karma.
Topman issued an apology and withdrew the T-shirt from sale. They stated that the design was inspired by a Bob Marley song.
People who lost family members in the disaster were shocked that the T-shirt had been put on sale and felt that Topman should have apologised and acknowledged the implications of the design.
Yes, in 2023, a man was arrested at Wembley Stadium for wearing a Manchester United shirt with the number 97 and the words "Not Enough" on the back, which was seen as a reference to the 97 victims of the Hillsborough disaster.
