Heysel programme on channel 4

[and1inthetree]

read the articles in the papers when liverpool played juventus in the quarter final, but watching the programme tonight, you really cannot understand why they played the game after the wall had collapsed.

 

as an aside, yes i know he seemed genuine enough on film, but how much do you think phil neal got paid for taking part in the programme?

[coupwotcoup]

Remember watching it live on the box at the time. A few weeks after Bradford it was all rather surreal. At the time nobody seemed to know what to do for the best. I think UEFA or whoever were top dogs at the time, totally panicked and thought it was probably for the best to keep the fans in the Stadium.

[NotTheRealSteveWest]

I was thinking the same thing when I saw the tv schedule this morning.

 

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[and1inthetree]

remember watching it too. bradford was actually after heysel.

 

the programme said that the belgian authorities ordered the game to be played as they didn't want the fans on the street.

 

what i didn't remember was the challenge on ronnie whelan which was a nailed on penalty that the ref did not give as he didn't want extra time.

 

also don't remember the juventus players going mental celebrating with the (living) fans after the final whistle...

 

honestly think if i was there, i would have left before kick off.

[Dagger03]

There were a number of issues to consider - the most important was that if the match was called off immediately, then the people leaving the ground would almost certainly severely hinder the rescue forces, by clogging up the roads.

 

The other very obvious danger was that any trouble might escalate outside of the ground, and put even more of a burden on the security forces.

 

A cynic might also wonder whether advertising and television income may have influenced any decision.

 

Personally I believe the correct decision was made, as getting the injured to hospital and to a place of safety was the prime concern.

[coupwotcoup]

Advertising didn't hold as much sway then, unlike Nike allegedly forcing Brazil to play Ronaldo in the 98 World Cup Final, despite being away with the Fairies...allegedly!