Survivor of the Hillsborough disaster, Scott Hartley, vividly recalls the harrowing moments of April 15, 1989, when tragedy struck at the Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield. Thirty-six years on, the memories still haunt him as he recounts the sheer terror of fighting for his life amidst the crowd crush that claimed 94 lives. Scott, now a football coach in Cardiff, is determined to put an end to the vile practice of tragedy chanting that continues to inflict pain on survivors and bereaved families.
The tragedy at Hillsborough, marked as the UK’s worst sporting disaster, unfolded as a result of a catastrophic decision to open an exit gate, leading to a fatal crush in the standing terraces. Scott, who was just 15 at the time, survived the ordeal but carries the emotional scars to this day. The trauma resurfaces whenever he hears chants mocking the events of that fateful day. These chants, aimed at various clubs, exploit past tragedies such as stadium disasters or fatal incidents involving opposing teams, inflicting further anguish on those directly affected.
Scott’s anguish is not singular, as many survivors find themselves reliving the horrors of that day when confronted with insensitive chants. To address this issue, Scott has initiated a petition to criminalise tragedy chanting at football grounds, seeking a more profound consequence for such actions. The impact of these chants extends beyond those directly targeted, affecting a broader spectrum of fans in the stands and perpetuating trauma among survivors.
Peter Scarfe, president of the Hillsborough Survivors Support Alliance (HSA), echoes Scott’s sentiments, emphasising the need to eradicate such derogatory behaviour from football culture. The HSA, a support group established to aid those impacted by the Hillsborough disaster, recognises the detrimental effects of tragedy chanting and advocates for a more inclusive and respectful environment within football.
In a bid to tackle tragedy chanting, Scott and fellow coach Stu Smith have garnered support from various football clubs and launched the ‘End Tragedy Chanting Now’ campaign. Their efforts have gained momentum, with several clubs pledging to combat the practice and promote a culture of compassion and respect. By advocating for early education on the impact of tragedy chanting, they aim to instil values of empathy and awareness in future generations of football enthusiasts.
The journey towards healing for survivors like Scott involves confronting their trauma and transforming it into a force for positive change. With each signature on the petition and every voice raised against tragedy chanting, Scott’s optimism for a better, more compassionate footballing community grows stronger. His resilience and determination to raise awareness and effect change serve as an inspiration to all those affected by the tragic events of Hillsborough.
As Scott continues his crusade to end tragedy chanting, he stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, striving to create a legacy of compassion and unity in the footballing world. The petition, a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice and remembrance, awaits the support of 10,000 signatories to initiate an official response from the UK government. In his pursuit of healing and advocacy, Scott’s journey serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring spirit of survivors and their relentless pursuit of a brighter, more respectful future in football.
—
In rewriting the article, I have emphasised the impact of tragedy chanting on survivors like Scott Hartley and their efforts to bring about change in the football community. By highlighting their resilience and determination, the piece aims to inspire readers to reflect on the importance of empathy and respect in sporting culture.