A senior Government minister has apologised to Liverpool supporters after suggesting that the 1989 Hillsborough disaster was a hooligan-related incident.
Ninety-six football fans were killed on the Leppings Lane terrace at Sheffield Wednesday's ground on April 15 before the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.
Jeremy Hunt MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, claimed that crowd unrest was responsible for the deaths of Reds supporters 21 years ago when answering questions about the conduct of England fans at this summer's World Cup
He said: "As a Minister, I was incredibly encouraged by the example set by the England fans.
"I mean not a single arrest for a football-related offensive and the terrible problems that we had in Heysel and Hillsborough in the 1980s seem now to be behind us.
"I think you know there is small grounds for encouragement there even though obviously we are very disappointed about the result."
Following backlash from Liverpool fans, the Conservative MP for South West Surrey has released a statement apologising for his comments.
In a statement, the Mr Hunt said: "I know that fan unrest played no part in the terrible events of April 1989 and I apologise to Liverpool fans and the families of those killed and injured in the Hillsborough disaster if my comments caused any offence."
Richard Buxton @'Click Liverpool'
I saw this on our news yesterday. The silly wanker doesn't even look old enough to of been around in 1989 let alone talk such tosh about it. Should be sacked for such an outrageous comment.
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