NUFC manager Rafa Benitez speaks on Hillsborough verdict

Former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has paid his respects to the families of the 96 football fans who lost their lives in 1989's Hillsborough disaster.

By The Newsroom

Published 26th Apr 2016, 12:12 BST

Updated 26th Apr 2016, 13:18 BST

Today, an inquest found that the Liverpool fans were "unlawfully" killed in the incident, which took place at the Sheffield football stadium on April 15, 1989.

Benitez, who now heads up Newcastle United, was manager at Liverpool for six years, has voiced his own tributes to the victims, their families and everyone who has fought in the memory of the 96 people who died.

A statement from him said: “After so many years fighting for justice I am really pleased to see the verdict today, which confirms what we have been saying for a long time.

"I am especially pleased for the families of the 96 who have sought justice for so long and with such dignity, as well as for the people of Liverpool and for football fans in general.

"Hopefully this verdict today will ensure that this kind of tragedy can never happen again.”