Hillsborough inquests: My love of football was lost after the disaster in 1989

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The pitch at Hillsborough, April 15 1989Image source, Getty Images

After a two year hearing, the jury at the Hillsborough inquests has delivered its conclusions.

An inquest jury found that the 96 fans who died in the 1989 disaster were unlawfully killed.

The jury also concluded that the behaviour of the supporters didn't cause or contribute to the UK's worst sports stadium tragedy.

The six women and three men had been deliberating since 6 April after hearing evidence for two years.

The fans died as a result of a crush on the terraces occupied by Liverpool supporters attending the FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest on 15 April 1989.

Julie Craven was there that day at Hillsborough.

Julie Craven

I was 16 years old. I remember arriving at the stadium, and it was quite early on in the day.

Hillsborough StadiumImage source, Getty Images

As you came through the tunnel you had a quick decision to make - forwards behind the goal, or slightly to the right?

I turned right and went to the right hand side of Leppings Lane. I stayed there right at the front in front of the barrier.

Entrance at Hillsborough StadiumImage source, Hillsborough Inquests/PA Wire

It was a very, very strange day because there was hardly anybody there and then all of a sudden that's when the crowds started forging through.

And then... mayhem... mayhem struck.

We were shouting to the goalkeeper and telling him people were getting squashed.

And then the referee came over and you could tell they thought that people were causing trouble - that people were forcing themselves onto the pitch.

It was ridiculously really.

Fans attempt to escape the Leppings Lane end of the Hillsborough StadiumImage source, Hillsborough Inquests/PA Wire

You could see the police at that time but all I remember is them pushing people back.

There was no seating areas at that time in those areas, there was just bars which you could sit on.

Leppings Lane, Hillsborough StadiumImage source, Hillsborough Inquests/PA Wire

So imagine those bars that are in front of you and imagine 300 people pushing their way forward.

Can you imagine being squashed and dying in that kind of way? It's just horrible.

I remember being there until about half past four and then we eventually came out of there.

I think you wanted to stay to help, but obviously I was a young kid so I couldn't.

I was just in complete shock.

I watched it unfold and it was complete horrific - I saw young children being dragged out, trying to be resuscitated and they couldn't.

It was devastating.

Fans on the pitch at HillsboroughImage source, Hillsborough Inquests/PA Wire

I ended up going to the final at Wembley but I didn't go to a football match for a number of years after.

My love for football has gone really.

I'm just happy for the families now to get closure on it.

Finally, justice has been done.

It's finally over.

Tributes at Hillsborough Stadium

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