Kevin Baylen

English Period 7
10/22/12
Belgium Heysel Stadium Disaster
Appropriately addressed as the "Horror of Heysel," on May 19, 1985, thirty-nine fans
died at the European Cup Final between Juventus of Italy and Liverpool of England. The Union
of European Football Association, or UEFA, organized this game poorly and without much
thought, contributing to the causes of the violence that broke out between the Juventus and
Liverpool fans. This event was one of the worst incidents in sports history.
There were many causes that, altogether, lead to the rampage of the fans. Firstly, previous
events in 1984 in Rome developed prejudices anger among groups of fans. There were gangs that
targeted Liverpool supporters, "stabbing and slashing dozens" (Tripod.com). Secondly, the
Heysel Stadium where the game had taken place was in very bad condition. The stadium was
condemned years before because it did not pass standards, so not much effort was put into
improving it (Tripod.com). Many of the walls of the stadium were crumbling, some were made
with cinder blocks and were being pushed down by people outside so they could get in. Thirdly,
the UEFA had done a poor job at allocating the fans. Fans of Liverpool and fans of Juventus were
seated in the same stand only separated by an "inadequate, flimsy fence, which only consisted of
chicken wire" (Contrast.org).
On May 19, 1985, because they were so close to each other, the Juventus fans began
throwing rocks and other things across this dividing fence at the Liverpool fans. Liverpool fans,
angry, and perhaps recalling the events at the last years cup in Rome, charged at the Juventus
fans entering the neutral section (Contrast.org). Fighting broke out and many not wanting to be

involved fled, but due to the poor design of the stadium, not many could escape; many ended up
pinned to the wall. Due to its bad condition, the wall fell, which caused most of the deaths.
As a result of this incident, English football clubs were banned from all European clubs,
Liverpool being banned for an additional year. Also, several Liverpool fans were imprisoned for
manslaughter. Thirty-nine people were killed in this incident and 400 were injured.
In conclusion, this disaster at the Heysel Stadium at the 1895 European Cup Final was
among the worst sports related disasters. Many factors contributed to the outbreak of the fighting
within the stadium: the condition of the stadium, the distribution of the fans, and events at the
previous year's cup. The Horror at Heysel resulted in the death and injury of many, and will
never be forgotten by the survivors of the incident.

Work Cited
"Heysel Stadium Disaster." contrast.org. Hillsborough Justice Campaign, n.d. Web. 22 Oct.
2012.
"Heysel Tragedy." tripod.com. Juventus F.C. S.p.A, n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2012.
"The Heysel Disaster." bbc.co.uk. BBC, Comp., 29 May 2000. Web. 22 Oct. 2012.