Government responds to alleged ‘overcrowding’ of Newcastle fans at Hillsborough after MP grilling

The government has acknowledged accusations of 'overcrowding' from Newcastle United fans when visiting Sheffield Wednesday stadium Hillsborough earlier this month.

Newcastle-upon-Tyne Central MP Chi Onwurah, who is frequently in touch with Magpies supporters, put worries shared by Newcastle fans to the government earlier this week.

Since then, Sheffield Wednesday has issued a strongly-worded statement saying that stewarding and safety measures were more than sufficient during the FA Cup meeting on January 7.

Ms Onwurah asked the Department for Digital, Cultural, Media and Sport: "To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to events at the Leppings Lane End at Hillsborough Stadium involving Newcastle United supporters on 7 January 2023, if her Department will take immediate steps with relevant stakeholders to improve fan safety at that stadium."

MP Stuart Andrew, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, has now responded to the question. Mr Andrew acknowledged that an FA investigation was underway and that the government is in close contact with the situation.

He said: "The Football Association are investigating reports of overcrowding at the Leppings Lane End at Hillsborough Stadium on 7 January 2023.

"The SGSA has a statutory responsibility for the issuing of licences to sports grounds for designated football matches in England and Wales, under the Football Spectators Act 1989. Grounds that are issued a licence, including Hillsborough Stadium, are all required to meet the same standards in order to safely admit spectators. The SGSA monitors this closely for all grounds that they licence.

"The SGSA will remain in contact with the club, Sheffield City Council and the Safety Advisory Group as the facts are established and any implications for safety management arrangements at Hillsborough are considered. We are in contact with the SGSA on this matter.

"The safety of spectators at sporting events is of the highest importance to His Majesty’s Government and we will continue to work closely with all relevant authorities to ensure that football fans can continue to enjoy the sport whilst attending matches safely."

Last week NewcastleWorld heard from a supporter who attended the match at Hillsborough and described the situation as 'horrifying' as he heard 'audible screams' from the concourse at halftime.

Sheffield Wednesday responded to the alleged overcrowding on Wednesday, in a statement that read: "Further to a request from the Football Association on the afternoon of Monday 9 January, Sheffield Wednesday has now submitted its comprehensive observations to the governing body following last weekend’s Emirates FA Cup third round tie with Newcastle United.

"We have engaged in extensive dialogue with all relevant parties to review the circumstances to best assist the FA with their enquiries. Whilst it is inappropriate to outline in full the details of the submission at this time, the Club feels it is important to emphasise that the stewarding numbers in place within the visitors’ section of the stadium exceeded the requirements of the Safety Certificate. The allocation of tickets issued to Newcastle supporters also complied absolutely with the Safety Certificate.

"In addition, fewer supporters entered the visitors’ turnstiles when aligned to the number of tickets allocated and sold. The turnstiles were opened 30 minutes earlier than a regular matchday, two hours before kick-off at 4:00 pm, to allow Newcastle supporters to enter the stadium in as timely a manner as possible.

"There were no reports of injuries or medical assistance required on the West Stand logged with the Club’s first aid Operations Manager before, during and after the game. Whilst we continue to assist and engage with the FA and explore all options, the Club will be making no further comment at this time."