Twenty-seven years after 96 Liverpool fans died following a crush at Hillsborough Stadium, a jury has concluded that the victims were unlawfully killed.

The 1991 inquests delivered a conclusion of accidental deaths, but after allegations of a cover-up from South Yorkshire Police came to light in 2012, the matter was reopened.

After hearing two years of evidence, nine jurors found that the police commander on the day, David Duckenfield, was guilty of gross negligence, and that the fans were not to blame for the tragedy.

Many footballers and ex-players took to social media to give their reaction to the news, and Sports Mole has selected a handful of the messages.

Justice finally. #JFT96

— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) April 26, 2016

Finally, thankfully, justice for the 96! Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/LEutDYfol5

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) April 26, 2016

At last justice for the 96 and their families. Well done to all who never gave up #jft96

— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) April 26, 2016

J U S T I C E

A T

L A S T !!!!#JFT96

— Stan Collymore (@StanCollymore) April 26, 2016

Proud to be a scouser today. Gone but never, ever forgotten! #JFT96 pic.twitter.com/74Si3VkeLv

— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) April 26, 2016

fantastic to see the reaction of the families outside the court!very emotional as well,The truth is out AT LAST.Take note all the doubters!!

— John Aldridge (@Realaldo474) April 26, 2016

Written by
Danielle Joynson