Chairman Tom Cartledge states that Nottingham Forest will explore the possibility of erecting a memorial at the City Ground to honor the victims of the Hillsborough disaster.
Following a crush during a 1989 FA Cup semi-final involving Nottingham Forest, which tragically claimed the lives of 97 Liverpool supporters, a group of Forest fans present at the match have advocated for their club to consider a lasting tribute. Chairman Tom Cartledge expressed his willingness to engage in discussions regarding the matter, stating he would meet with them to explore potential options.
In an interview with the BBC Sounds podcast “Hillsborough Unheard: Nottingham Forest Fans,” Cartledge emphasized his openness to understanding the significance of such a memorial and its potential form. While acknowledging existing memorials at Anfield and Hillsborough, Cartledge affirmed the importance of reflecting on this aspect and welcomed any proposals from supporters.
Despite not having received a formal approach from fans regarding the memorial, Cartledge expressed his intention to involve the club’s fan advisory board, comprising representatives from various supporter groups, in the decision-making process. Forest had previously honored the Hillsborough victims by leaving 97 seats vacant during their FA Cup match against Liverpool in 2022, covered with a memorial banner.
The 2016 inquests concluded that the Liverpool fans’ deaths were unlawful, though no Forest supporters lost their lives in the tragedy. However, the profound impact on the 28,000 Forest fans present at Hillsborough prompted the establishment of a Nottingham branch of the Hillsborough Survivors Support Alliance (HSA), providing trauma counseling and support services.
A central point
Martin Peach, who was a 12-year-old Nottingham Forest supporter present at Hillsborough, is part of the group advocating for a memorial.
He has been involved in taking a Forest-themed wreath to the Hillsborough memorial at Anfield in previous years.
“It’s been 35 years, but establishing a focal point where people can gather to remember and discuss their experiences and feelings is always relevant,” Peach remarked.
Former Forest defender Brian Laws, who played in the game abandoned at Hillsborough, believes the club should have acknowledged the tragedy sooner.
“We were involved in that day, which is one of the most significant in the sport,” he reflected.
“While it’s difficult to commemorate such a tragic event, it’s about showing support and unity. We were all there together, experiencing the same emotions and issues,” Laws added.
Liverpool supporter and HSA vice-chair Diane Lynn, who survived the fatal crush at the Leppings Lane end of Hillsborough, backs the idea of a memorial at Nottingham Forest’s stadium.
“It would hold significant meaning for those who were present at Hillsborough,” she expressed. “It could serve as a gathering place, facilitating conversations. I believe it’s something that Nottingham needs.”
Forest chairman Cartledge has mentioned that the club, which already oversees various well-being initiatives and mental health projects, will explore avenues to assist fans affected by the events of April 15, 1989.
“If there’s an opportunity for the football club to provide additional support, especially considering those individuals witnessed trauma while supporting Nottingham Forest, we have a heightened responsibility,” he elaborated. “We should perhaps consider offering further assistance. I’m unsure about the extent of support they may require, beyond what they can access themselves or through existing support groups for survivors or witnesses of tragedies.”