Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has called for those who peddled the “vile and malicious lies” behind the Hillsborough disaster to be held to account.
Corbyn spoke out after the jury in a year-long inquest at Warrington ruled that the 96 Liverpool fans were unlawfully killed and that supporters played no part in the disaster.
Corbyn also said the Hillsborough campaigners were totally vindicated in their quest for truth and justice.
He paid tribute to the friends and family of the victims, and many others from Liverpool.
The Labour leader had previously attended the Hillsborough hearings in February this year when he was accompanied by Walton MP Steve Rotheram and shadow home secretary Andy Burnham.
A spokeswoman said Mr Corbyn had attended the hearings “as an observer”.
Mr Corbyn took a front row seat next to Margaret Aspinall, chairperson the Hillsborough Family Support Group.
He said: “Today, after 27 long years, the 96 victims of the Hillsborough tragedy – and their families – have finally received justice.
“I pay tribute to the families and friends of all the victims of the tragedy – as well as many others from the city of Liverpool – for the passionate and dignified campaign they have fought for almost three decades.
“Today they received total vindication for their fight for the truth and for justice.
“In the immediate aftermath of the Hillsborough disaster there were some who painted those that died and the fans of Liverpool FC as drunken yobs and thieves.
“The findings of this inquest clearly show that to have been a lie – fan behaviour didn’t cause or contribute to the disaster and the fans have been exonerated of any blame.
“All those that attended the semi-final 27 years ago were innocent victims and it is time that those who peddled those vile and malicious lies recognise the deep hurt they have inflicted on tens of thousands of innocent people – and are held to account.”