The inquest has concluded that the ninety six victims of the Hillsborough disaster were unlawfully killed.
After more than two years examining the disaster, jurors answered yes to the question of whether police error caused or contributed to a dangerous situation at the 1989 FA Cup semi-final, reports the BBC.
The inquiry found that failures of both the police and South Yorkshire Ambulance Service led to the deaths of the Liverpool fans at the Hillsborough stadium in Sheffield during the FA Cup semi final with Nottingham Forest.
The jury also found that the behaviour of Liverpool fans – as alleged by police in the aftermath of the incident – did not contribute to the dangerous situation with the coroner saying that none of the victims should be blamed for their deaths.
According to The Guardian, when the conclusion of the unlawful killing was revealed, families could be heard to cheer and were seen hugging each other in the public gallery.
The inquest found there were defects at the stadium and an error in the safety certification of the Hillsborough stadium, both of which contributed to the disaster.
What is more, for the first time, families of the victims could now see public prosecutions against individuals and organisations over mistakes made 27 years ago, reports the Telegraph.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has indicated that charges are now likely, whether for manslaughter, negligence or perverting the course of justice.
The football world has reacted, airing their feelings that justice has finally been served:
Our thoughts are with the families of the fans who lost their lives all those years ago. It’s taken far, far too long but some form of justice has finally been served.
