The Backdrop
Liverpool’s boycott of The Sun newspaper is deeply rooted in a tragic event that left an indelible mark on the city. The Hillsborough disaster, which occurred on 15 April 1989, resulted in the deaths of 96 Liverpool football fans and injured hundreds more during an FA Cup semi-final match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest. The catastrophe, caused by overcrowding in the stands, was a traumatic incident that affected countless families and the community at large.
In the immediate aftermath, The Sun published an article on 19 April 1989 under the headline “The Truth,” which falsely accused Liverpool fans of abhorrent behaviour during the disaster. The paper alleged that fans had pickpocketed victims, urinated on police officers, and attacked rescue workers. These claims were based on unverified and misleading information and had no basis in truth. The coverage sparked outrage across Liverpool and caused profound distress to the families of the victims and the broader community.
The Sun’s accusations were later thoroughly discredited, and multiple inquiries and investigations, including the Hillsborough Independent Panel’s report in 2012, confirmed that the fans were not to blame for the disaster. Instead, the tragedy resulted from gross negligence by the police and emergency services, including poor crowd control and a failure to manage the situation effectively. Despite this, the damage caused by The Sun’s reporting had already been done, and many in Liverpool felt that the newspaper had added insult to injury by perpetuating harmful and false narratives.
As a result, a widespread and enduring boycott of The Sun emerged in Liverpool. Many residents refuse to buy or stock the newspaper, and local retailers and newsagents support this stance by not selling it. This boycott is not only a matter of personal choice but has become a significant cultural and ethical statement within the city. Campaigns such as “Total Eclipse of The S*n” and support from prominent figures and institutions in Liverpool have bolstered the movement, reinforcing the community’s demand for justice and truth.
The boycott also highlights broader issues about media responsibility and the impact of sensationalist reporting. The Sun’s handling of the Hillsborough disaster serves as a stark reminder of the potential harm that can result from irresponsible journalism. The Liverpool community’s response is a powerful example of how collective action can be used to hold media organisations accountable and to seek redress for grievances.
Liverpool’s boycott of The Sun newspaper is a deeply entrenched reaction to the newspaper’s false and harmful reporting on the Hillsborough disaster. It stands as a testament to the city’s solidarity, its demand for justice, and its rejection of unethical journalism. The boycott continues to be a potent symbol of the community’s resilience and its commitment to honouring the memory of those who lost their lives on that tragic day.
The Betrayal
In 2020, Keir Starmer promised not to speak to The Sun because of the hurt it caused to Liverpool.
— Owen Jones (@OwenJones84) July 3, 2024
Today, he says he's delighted The Sun has backed Labour.
Nothing more to say. pic.twitter.com/P20YskrzC1
Starmer says that we can see how much the Labour Party have changed following Murdoch and The Sun’s endorsement. Yes we certainly ******* can!!
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