Potential jurors in the trial of David Duckenfield, the match commander on the day of the Hillsborough disaster, have been asked their football allegiances.

Duckenfield, a retired police chief superintendent for South Yorkshire Police, appeared in court as his retrial began in Preston Crown Court on Monday.

When the hearing began shortly after 11am, 100 potential jurors were brought into the courtroom.

Ninety-six people, including women and children, were killed as a result of the crush during the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest on 15 April 1989.

The crush in pens at the Leppings Lane end of the Sheffield Wednesday ground resulted in the worst loss of life at any sporting event in UK history.


Duckenfield, 75, is accused of the gross negligence manslaughter of 95 Liverpool fans. He was not charged over the death of the 96th victim Tony Bland, as he died more than a year and a day after the disaster.

He denied all the charges.

The jury panel was given questionnaires made up of 19 questions to assess whether they were suitable to serve.

They were asked if they, or any close friends or relatives, were supporters of Liverpool FC, Everton, Sheffield Wednesday or Nottingham Forest.

Duckenfield sat in the well of the court during the hearing, wearing a grey suit.

His wife Ann also sat in court on Monday along with around 10 relatives of the victims and 10 members of the press.

Image: The disaster resulted in the worst loss of life at any sporting event in UK history

Other family members were able to watch proceedings via videolink at the Cunard building in Liverpool.

The questionnaire also asked potential jurors if they or family members had ever been employed by the police or by criminal agencies including the Crown Prosecution Service and the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

It asked if they, or close relatives or friends, were at the stadium on the day of the disaster or had been involved in any Hillsborough campaign groups.

The court was adjourned for the questionnaires to be completely.