It is, in many respects, football’s forgotten tragedy.
But for Bolton Wanderers fans, the Burnden Park disaster, when 33 supporters died following the collapse of two crush barriers at Wanderers’ old ground, will forever be etched into the memory of the club.
And with March 9 2016 signalling the 70th anniversary of the crush, Bolton have released a commemorative third kit with the names of the 33 stitched into the shirt, and Bolton boss Neil Lennon sees it as a fitting way to mark the occasion.
“It’s one of those disasters that’s not really touched upon much in football, but obviously it means a lot here to the people of Bolton and at the club.
“For every shirt that’s sold, £10 is going to the local charity [Bolton Young Persons Housing Scheme], which I think is a fantastic idea.
“Obviously there’s a darker side to it, and we must remember those who lost their lives on that day, and with all great clubs with great histories, they have great moments and some have dark moments, and that’s certainly a dark moment for Bolton.
“It’s probably the darkest hour in the club’s history, but it’s one that should be remembered.
“There’s a commemorative book for people to come and see, and obviously the club want to remember those who lost their lives, and I think this is a good way of doing it.”
The quiet dignity that surrounds the treatment of the disaster belies its significant impact on modern football.
The aftermath of that fateful day, when 85,000 supporters attended the FA Cup game between Bolton and Stoke, signalled a report led by Moelwyn Hughes, which recommended limitations on crowd attendances.
In a ceremony at the Macron Stadium earlier in the week, Lennon was on hand to present the first of the 1,000 shirts to 100-year-old Phyllis Robb, who attended the game back in 1946 with her father.
“She’s a remarkable lady,” the Bolton manager said.
“You can see all the pictures of her where she’s being carried through the crowd.
“It’s fantastic that Phyllis is here to live to tell the tale.”
Image courtesy of Bolton Wanderers FC via YouTube, with thanks.
