One Herald journalist succinctly described the scene he witnessed following Scotland’s worst ever football disaster:
“Eventually at the top of the terrace the true horror became apparent. Half a dozen lifeless forms were lying on the ground. Rescuers were tripping over the dead and injured as they struggled back with more victims.
“A wedge of emptiness had been created part of the way down the long steep flight of steps leading to the Copeland Road exit. In it were the twisted remains of the heavy steel division barriers. They had been mangled out of shape and pressed to the ground by the weight of the bodies.”
By the time the full picture became clear, the numbers told a grim tale. 66 Rangers supporters had lost their lives through asphyxiation and suffocation. Also, hundreds of fans had been injured in what was then the worst disaster in British football history.
Of the 66 that died, around half were teenagers. The youngest victim was a 9-year old boy from Liverpool and five boys from the Fife town of Markinch were also killed. The only female victim was Margaret Ferguson from Stirlingshire.
In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, attention turned to how best to support those affected. Celtic played an important role in these efforts.
55years on and all both sets of supporters are worried about is the result of a game between two poor teams.
R I P.
Hail Hail.