The latest comments from PSG Sporting Director Luis Campos have caused a lot of debate, after he justified PSG’s request to postpone their Ligue 1 game by referencing Liverpool and the Hillsborough tragedy.
Campos said: “Liverpool can’t play on April 15, we had to respect their history, because it’s a tragic date for the club.” He was explaining why PSG wanted their league game moved to help their schedule around the Champions League tie.
But this situation does not sit right with many people. Hillsborough is one of the most tragic events in football history, where 97 Liverpool supporters lost their lives. It is a day of remembrance, respect and reflection. It should never be used as part of fixture scheduling arguments or to justify moving league games for sporting advantage.
There is a big difference between respecting the Hillsborough anniversary and using it as part of an explanation for why a domestic league match should be moved to benefit a team’s Champions League preparation. That is where many people feel this crosses a line.
Football often talks about respect, history and community, but those things should not be brought into conversations about fixture congestion or competitive advantage. Hillsborough is not a scheduling inconvenience, it is a tragedy that still affects families and supporters to this day.
Many Liverpool fans will feel uncomfortable hearing Hillsborough mentioned in this context, even if no disrespect was intended. Some things in football should simply be left separate from sporting decisions and fixture planning.
This situation will likely divide opinion, but for many people, using Hillsborough in any conversation about moving games or scheduling feels like it takes things to a new low.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
The Kopite View 
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