Kenny Dalglish knighthood urged for role in aftermath of Hillsborough disaster

Updated

Glasgow City Council has called for Kenny Dalglish to be knighted in recognition of the role he played in the wake of the Hillsborough disaster.

The 65-year-old was Liverpool manager on the day of the tragedy and has been described as a "shining light in the darkest hour" for his support of the families of the 96 victims.

Dalglish helped fans at the scene and also attended many funerals in the aftermath, including four in a single day.

He recently said the fans of the club have been "totally and utterly vindicated" by the Hillsborough inquest verdicts and should be proud of their efforts to get the truth.

The knighthood call came as Glasgow City Council agreed a motion praising the families of the Hillsborough victims for their campaign for justice.

Council leader Frank McAveety said: "Kenny Dalglish is a legend of world football and is quite rightly held in the highest esteem in Glasgow, Liverpool and across the globe.

"However, the Hillsborough disaster transcended sport, and Kenny has played a central role with victims' families in their quest for truth and justice. We believe that a knighthood would be a fitting recognition of this, as well as his services to the beautiful game."

Dalglish had a celebrated football career with Celtic, Liverpool and Scotland before moving into management.

He was given the Freedom of the City of Glasgow in 1986.

The council motion, proposed by depute leader Archie Graham, read: "The council welcomes the findings of the Hillsborough inquest, which concluded the 96 football supporters who lost their lives at Hillsborough were unlawfully killed; recognises this as a monumental step in achieving justice for the victims; congratulates the Hillsborough families for their tireless campaign, the people of Liverpool for the support they have given the families, and pays tribute to Glasgow's Kenny Dalglish who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Liverpool and played a critical role in supporting the campaign for truth and justice."

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