Bolton Disaster

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The Bolton Disaster was a serious spectator disaster during a football match in Bolton, England, on March 9, 1946. 33 people were killed; more than 500 were injured, some seriously.

The misfortune

In the sixth round of the FA Cup , Bolton Wanderers and Stoke City met . The second leg in Burnden Park was completely sold out with 65,000 visitors. Yet another 20,000 people were outside the stadium trying to get inside. Shortly before kick-off, the entry barriers gave way and the crowd rushed into the auditorium. The playing field barriers were not up to the enormous pressure and broke a little later, so that the front row was pushed to the ground and at the same time the crowd spilled uncontrollably onto the pitch.

The scandal

The game continued after a brief interruption, which the police used to push the crowds at least behind the goal line, until a few minutes later a police officer ran onto the field and referee Dutton announced that a bystander had died. This then instructed the team captains Harry Hubbick and Neil Franklin to lead the teams from the field. However, by order of the Bolton police chief, the match was kicked off again after 26 minutes, while the covered bodies were placed on the sidelines. Despite considerable protests, the two teams played the match to the end. In the end, no one was interested in advancing Bolton.

consequences

Until the second Ibrox Disaster in 1971, the accident was considered the worst incident in a football game in Great Britain . In response to the Bolton disaster, the UK Home Office ordered stricter controls and stadiums to operate. There was also an official investigation into the incident, at the end of which the lawyer Moelwyn Hughes recommended in his report a significant reduction in audience capacity.

See also

Web links

Coordinates: 53 ° 34 ′ 8 "  N , 2 ° 24 ′ 58"  W.