FA offers Hillsborough apology

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13 September 2012-PA Sport

Better late than never ... FA chairman David Bernstein (Getty Images)

Football Association chairman David Bernstein has offered "a full and unreserved apology" to all those affected by the Hillsborough disaster.

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The Hillsborough Independent Panel's report into the events at the FA Cup semi-final 23 years ago revealed a police cover-up had taken place which had intended to shift blame for the disaster, which claimed the lives of 96 Liverpool fans, to the victims themselves.

The ground did not have a valid safety certificate at the time of the match. Sheffield Wednesday had already apologised this week and now Bernstein has followed suit.

He said in a statement: "We are deeply sorry this tragedy occurred at a venue the FA selected.

"This fixture was played in the FA's own competition, and on behalf of the Football Association I offer a full and unreserved apology and express sincere condolences to all of the families of those who lost their lives and to everyone connected to the City of Liverpool and Liverpool Football Club."