Post by Redz on Jun 28, 2006 15:59:01 GMT
FOOTBALL changing rooms built in memory of victims of the Hillsborough tragedy have been covered in racist graffiti.
The vandal attack came one month after the £600,000 building complex in Breckside Park, An-field, opened.
The changing rooms were built on Lower Breck Road for young teenagers in the Anfield junior league.
The attack disgusted community members who campaigned for the changing rooms as atribute to 96 Liverpool fans who lost their lives 17 years ago.
The damage was condemned by former Reds players, including Ian Callaghan.
He told the ECHO: "I can't understand why people would do this, as it's one of the few Hillsborough memorials in the area.
"The changing rooms are something for the community to enjoy, so it's beyond comprehension they should be wrecked."
League officials have been left horrified by the extent of the graffiti which covers the entire building.
It includes sickening racial abuse, foul language and pictures daubed in black paint across the outside walls.
A commemorative plaque, featuring faces of children who play in the Anfield league and words of tribute to those whodied at Hills-borough, is fixed to a wall in the changing rooms and remained untouched.
The complex was opened last month, children set to use the facilities led out by bagpipes at the launch.
It was unveiled on the day of the Hillsborough Memorial Cup Finals but will not be properly used until next season.
The changing rooms were erected with money donated by the Football Foundation and lottery-funded Sports England.
Reds legend Kenny Dalglish and former Liverpool and Everton player David Johnson, one of the few players to cross Stanley Park, attended the opening.
Steve O'Reilly, in charge of Anfield junior league, condemned the vandals behind the graffiti.
He said: "These people have got no respect and they have defaced the memory of Hillsborough.
"Apart from the shrine at An-field, this is the only memorial to Hillsborough in the city as far as I'm aware.
"It's something for the community whichmeans a lot to the people who live here and they'll be devastated."
Anyone with information about the vandalism can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
LINK
The vandal attack came one month after the £600,000 building complex in Breckside Park, An-field, opened.
The changing rooms were built on Lower Breck Road for young teenagers in the Anfield junior league.
The attack disgusted community members who campaigned for the changing rooms as atribute to 96 Liverpool fans who lost their lives 17 years ago.
The damage was condemned by former Reds players, including Ian Callaghan.
He told the ECHO: "I can't understand why people would do this, as it's one of the few Hillsborough memorials in the area.
"The changing rooms are something for the community to enjoy, so it's beyond comprehension they should be wrecked."
League officials have been left horrified by the extent of the graffiti which covers the entire building.
It includes sickening racial abuse, foul language and pictures daubed in black paint across the outside walls.
A commemorative plaque, featuring faces of children who play in the Anfield league and words of tribute to those whodied at Hills-borough, is fixed to a wall in the changing rooms and remained untouched.
The complex was opened last month, children set to use the facilities led out by bagpipes at the launch.
It was unveiled on the day of the Hillsborough Memorial Cup Finals but will not be properly used until next season.
The changing rooms were erected with money donated by the Football Foundation and lottery-funded Sports England.
Reds legend Kenny Dalglish and former Liverpool and Everton player David Johnson, one of the few players to cross Stanley Park, attended the opening.
Steve O'Reilly, in charge of Anfield junior league, condemned the vandals behind the graffiti.
He said: "These people have got no respect and they have defaced the memory of Hillsborough.
"Apart from the shrine at An-field, this is the only memorial to Hillsborough in the city as far as I'm aware.
"It's something for the community whichmeans a lot to the people who live here and they'll be devastated."
Anyone with information about the vandalism can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
LINK