Sheffield Wednesday have announced a review prompted by reports of overcrowding in the away end during Newcastle United's FA Cup defeat has concluded 'all aspects of safety' were conducted properly. The Magpies crashed out of the competition on January 7 with a shock 2-1 loss at Hillsborough.
A second-half brace from Josh Windass was enough to dump Eddie Howe's much-changed lineup out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle. However, a Football Association investigation was launched within days following reports of overcrowding among the travelling Toon Army.
Newcastle fans took to social media following the full-time whistle to criticise the lack of stewarding and 'dangerous' layout inside the ground. The Leppings Lane End which housed 4,500 Magpies supporters on the night was the scene of the Hillsborough disaster in April 1989, when 97 Liverpool fans tragically lost their lives.
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A joint review was commissioned by Sheffield City Council and Sheffield Wednesday, with oversight from the Sports Ground Safety Authority, as a result. CCTV images of the evening along with matchday records were examined, while Newcastle fans were also asked to share their experiences.
The club published a joint statement on Friday morning outlining 'full compliance' with Wednesday's safety certificate was found, with crowd management procedures at the stadium also scrutinised. Away from the raised safety concerns, 'minor recommendations' have been made to improve the overall matchday experience.
Owls chief operating office Liam Dooley told the club's website: “We welcome the outcome of this review as the welfare of all supporters and everyone inside the stadium is our utmost priority. We would reiterate that the stewarding numbers within the visitors’ section of the stadium for the Newcastle fixture exceeded the requirements of the Safety Certificate.
“The Newcastle ticket allocation also complied completely with the Safety Certificate. We continuously review our safety management plans and ensure the correct measures are in place for every fixture at Hillsborough.
“Extensive planning meetings with relevant stakeholders are held before each game, with equally extensive review meetings thereafter. While we have full confidence in our matchday operations, we welcome feedback on an ongoing basis as to how we can improve the experience for supporters and listen to any concerns raised as a matter of course.
“We have worked closely with Sheffield City Council and the respective sports governing bodies in conducting a robust review of the Newcastle United fixture and are pleased that the findings support the confidence we have in our procedures. Some minor recommendations will be implemented to ensure we continue to deliver the best possible matchday experience.”
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