Former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland striker John Aldridge was among a number of ex-players to react to the news that the 96 victims of the Hillsborough disaster were “unlawfully killed”.
The disaster unfolded during Liverpool's FA Cup tie against Nottingham Forest on 15 April, 1989 as thousands of fans were crushed at Sheffield Wednesday's ground.
A jury in England concluded by a 7-2 majority that overall match commander Chief Superintendent David Duckenfield owed a duty of care to those who died in the disaster, and that he was in breach of that duty of care.
Thirdly, they were satisfied that his breach of duty caused the deaths and, fourthly, that it amounted to "gross negligence".
Aldridge, who was in the Liverpool team at Hillsborough, tweeted: "Fantastic to see the reaction of the families outside the court! Very emotional as well.
"The truth is out AT LAST. Take note all the doubters!!"
Disgraceful for 27 years but finally JUSTICE - unlawful killing.Utmost respect for the families courage and determination. #JFT96
— Jim Beglin (@jimbeglin) April 26, 2016
Fellow ex-Reds and Ireland defender Jim Beglin wrote: "Disgraceful for 27 years but finally JUSTICE - unlawful killing. Utmost respect for the families courage and determination. #JFT96
Former Liverpool captain Jamie Carragher tweeted: "Justice finally. #JFT96."
Manchester United captain and former Everton player Wayne Rooney said: “At last justice for the 96 and their families. Well done to all who never gave up #jft96”
A statement on Celtic's website read: “For more than 27 long years the families of those who left us on that fateful day have campaigned for justice in the name of their loved ones and today’s news has finally brought that.
“Celtic and Liverpool have a strong bond dating back many years and the club sends its thoughts to all those concerned, including Liverpool FC, the City of Liverpool and the Justice for the 96 campaign, whose quest for the truth has today been realised.”
Meanwhile, Michael Mansfield QC, who represented 77 of the families of the victims, told Sky Sports News this is not the end of the process.
"The families want accountability," he said. "It's one thing to get the truth and a form of justice here, but you want people to be made accountable for their actions.
"There are two investigations, one by the Police - Operation Resolve - looking at the events leading up to the day and on the day and what offences may have been committed by a number of different individuals.
"In addition, there's events after the day, which includes the cover-up and the lies that were told - were there offences there, and who committed them? The Independent Police Complaints Commission are looking at that."
Hillsborough victims' families sing "You'll never walk alone" outside the court after the inquest.https://t.co/oJlcm1fHQM
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) April 26, 2016
