MP calls for demolition of West Stand at Hillsborough

A Member of Parliament has urged the demolition of the West Stand at Sheffield Wednesday's Hillsborough Stadium, the site of the 1989 disaster where 97 fans tragically lost their lives.

Clive Betts described the continued use of the stand as "a disgrace to the football world" and confirmed that he believes it should be dismantled, calling it "quite awful that it is still there 36 years later."

Due to the club being in administration, Sheffield Wednesday stated they were not in a position to respond to Mr Betts remarks.

Speaking to BBC Radio Sheffield, Mr Betts said: "I attend every home game at Hillsborough, and when I look across at the West Standthe Leppings Lane end where 97 people diedit remains almost untouched. It should be a priority for the incoming club owner to take it down. It stands as a stark reminder of that horrific tragedy."

His remarks coincide with a recent report revealing that 12 retired South Yorkshire Police officers would have faced gross misconduct charges under current regulations. The Independent Office for Police Conduct identified "fundamental failures" by officers on the day of the disaster, including attempts to place blame on fans.

Peter Scarfe, founder of the Hillsborough Survivors Support Alliance, echoed calls for the stand's removal, saying it "should have been torn down a long time ago." He organizes visits for survivors to return to Sheffield to confront the past and emphasizes that the location itself is only symbolic. Scarfe added that the existing memorial plaque does not adequately honor the scale of the tragedy.

Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotherham praised Mr Betts' initiative, noting it took "courage" to speak out and expressed hope for a "poignant tribute" to be established at the stadium.

Author: Benjamin Carter