Wednesday marks the 37th anniversary of the disaster which claimed the lives of 97 supporters. Paul Ellis/Getty Images
April 14, 2026Updated 1:02 pm EDT
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has criticised the UK Government over their ongoing failure to pass the Hillsborough Law.
Wednesday marks the 37th anniversary of the disaster at the club’s FA Cup semi-final with Nottingham Forest, which claimed the lives of 97 supporters.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had initially promised campaigners that the new law, which would create “a duty of candour” for public authorities to co-operate with and tell the truth to inquiries, would be passed by April last year.
However, its progress through Parliament stalled in recent months due to disagreements over whether the law would also apply to the intelligence service.
Slot said he was surprised by the UK Government’s inaction over the bill (Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images)
In his programme notes ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain tonight, Slot wrote: “While almost four decades have passed since the tragedy occurred, the players and myself are fully aware that so many people — bereaved families, survivors, Liverpool supporters in general and many others besides — continue to be affected by the terrible events of that day.
“Since becoming head coach, I have been able to hear some of their stories and the passage of time does not make them any less moving. I have also been told about the campaign for a Hillsborough Law, and having listened to the reasons and knowing the story behind them, it surprises me that this is still to be introduced.
“This is not an opinion based on my association with Liverpool FC either. It is the view of someone who believes bereaved families should not have to fight and campaign for the truth about how their loved ones lost their lives; it should be provided as a matter of course.
“Tonight, we will remember the 97 and pay tribute to them, but it is clear that the best way for the country to honour them after all this time would be to introduce the law that the Hillsborough families and fellow campaigners are asking for.”
Apr 14, 2026
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