‘No issues’: Sheffield Wednesday Hillsborough report published as Newcastle fan concerns dismissed

A joint report from Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield City Council found that stewarding numbers for the fixture ‘exceeded’ those required.
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Concerns shared by Newcastle United fans regarding the levels of stewarding and safety measures in place at Sheffield Wednesday home ground Hillsborough last month have been dismissed with the club's arrangements on the day 'exceeding' those required.

Sheffield Wednesday has today published a joint report with Sheffield City Council which reviewed concerns over crowd movements at Hillsborough when Newcastle visited in an FA Cup fixture on January 7. The Sports Ground Safety Authority and Newcastle United supporters were also involved in the process.

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Councillor Joe Otten, Sheffield City Council, said: “Public safety is our priority; we work together with governing bodies and our local clubs to make sure everyone attending matches is safe.

"We understand that fans are going to feel concerned if they feel like there is overcrowding, so it’s our responsibility to ensure that we don’t put people in that position, and where concerns are raised, we take them very seriously.

“We have carried out a thorough review looking at all the evidence available as well as speaking to fans, officials and stewards who were present on the day. We’ve also reviewed all matchday operation plans.

“Our findings show full compliance at the stadium and no issues relating to the matchday operation. Some minor changes have been identified to improve the overall experience.

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“As is normal procedure, we will continue working together, carrying out routine checks and sharing plans and knowledge to make sure everyone on site is safe and has the best experience possible.”

Sheffield Wednesday has confirmed that the concerns were also reviewed by the Safety Advisory Group which agreed with the findings. The FA and EFL have also been notified and have not requested any additional requirements.

Some Newcastle fans reported issues when visiting Hillsborough in January (Image: Getty Images)Some Newcastle fans reported issues when visiting Hillsborough in January (Image: Getty Images)
Some Newcastle fans reported issues when visiting Hillsborough in January (Image: Getty Images)

In the days after the Newcastle match at Hillsborough, fans described their experience in the Leppings Land End as 'horrifying' with some hearing 'audible screams'.

It is the same end of the stadium that witnessed the Hillsborough tragedy in 1989.

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Liam Dooley, Sheffield Wednesday Chief Operating Officer, said: “We welcome the outcome of this review as the welfare of all supporters and everyone inside the stadium is our utmost priority.

“We would reiterate that the stewarding numbers within the visitors’ section of the stadium for the Newcastle fixture exceeded the requirements of the Safety Certificate.

“The Newcastle ticket allocation also complied completely with the Safety Certificate. We continuously review our safety management plans and ensure the correct measures are in place for every fixture at Hillsborough. Extensive planning meetings with relevant stakeholders are held before each game, with equally extensive review meetings thereafter.

“While we have full confidence in our matchday operations, we welcome feedback on an ongoing basis as to how we can improve the experience for supporters and listen to any concerns raised as a matter of course.

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“We have worked closely with Sheffield City Council and the respective sports governing bodies in conducting a robust review of the Newcastle United fixture and are pleased that the findings support the confidence we have in our procedures.

“Some minor recommendations will be implemented to ensure we continue to deliver the best possible matchday experience.”