Archbishop Malcolm McMahon of Liverpool has paid tribute to the families of those who died in the Hillsborough disaster after inquests concluded that they were unlawfully killed. 96 Liverpool supporters died in a crush at Sheffield Wednesday’s Hillsborough stadium during a match in 1989. Pressed against metal fences by those behind them, they died by compression asphyxia, suffocating as they were unable to expand their chests to breathe in. “Since the awful events that unfolded when Liverpool played Nottingham Forest on April 15, 1989, the families of the deceased and all who survived that appalling tragedy have been relentless in their quest for justice,” said Archbishop McMahon. “I would like to thank the coroner and the jurors for their careful consideration of the evidence and all whose work has led to the conclusion of the inquest into the death of the 96. “I hope that the acknowledgment that those who died were unlawfully killed will bring comfort to the survivors and the families of the 96. “May they rest in peace, to be forever remembered in the hearts and minds of the people of Liverpool.” The jury found that police mistakes created dangerous conditions for fans and that supporters did not contribute to the situation that unfolded. But for years both survivors and the families of those who died had to endure claims that the Liverpool fans had been responsible for what happened. The Sun newspaper reported allegations that fans had pickpocketed victims and urinated on the police. Under the headline “The truth”, the Sun story began: “Drunken Liverpool fans viciously attacked rescue workers as they tried to revive victims of the Hillsborough soccer disaster.” But the inquest exonerated the fans. It found that the chief superintendent in charge on the day had lied when he said at the time of the disaster that Liverpool fans had gained unauthorised entry to the ground, when in fact he himself had given the order for the gate to be opened. South Yorkshire Police had then built on this lie over the years, blaming the supporters and denying that they themselves had made any mistakes. Auxiliary Bishop Tom Williams of Liverpool said he felt anger when he heard the verdict. “My first thought yesterday was of anger, to be quite honest, because I thought, it has taken 27 years, 27 years for the truth to come out. And there have been lies and there has been deceit. And it has been organised,” he said in a BBC interview. He told the Today programme that it was important to forgive those who are truly sorry for their actions. “Yes, I think forgiveness is a very important thing. I think we would use the word ‘mercy’ as well as forgiveness. But I think ... mercy is about embracing what you have done wrong and accepting it and then asking for forgiveness. So I think on the part of the authorities, when they made their apologies, if they really meant them then that’s the start. “I think we’ve got to walk with them in the same way as we have walked with the supporters and the fans.” Bishop Williams said he felt “more emotional” on the day of the inquest last week than he did at the time of the disaster.