THIS Wednesday marks the 70th anniversary of the Burnden disaster — one of the
worst tragedies in British football.
But unless you are a Bolton supporter, you probably have not heard of it.
Thirty-three Wanderers fans were crushed to death on March 9, 1946, during an
FA Cup quarter- final with Stoke
at Burnden Park.
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Some had just returned from fighting in World War Two.
Each year, it is remembered by the Trotters’ faithful.
Almost every Bolton supporter has a family member who was at Burnden that day
and the date is etched into Wanderers’ memories — but by few others.
It is the forgotten disaster.
The pictures from that day are a grim sight with supporters on the pitch and
bodies everywhere.
The crush started on the Railway Embankment terrace, as an estimated 85,000
people packed into a ground whose record official attendance was 69,912 in
1933 for a match with Manchester City.
Part of the terrace, the main one in the ground at the time, was still in use
by the Ministry of War, limiting the space and contributing to the tragedy.
There was also a lack of turnstiles, meaning people piled in through only a
few entrances
Amazingly, as supporters were injured and dying, the match continued — much to
the disgust of its star attraction, Sir Stanley Matthews.
His presence was the main reason there were so many fans in the ground.
It was the first time there had been a loss of life on this scale in a British
football ground, and a subsequent report by politician Moelwyn Hughes,
attempted to control crowd sizes to ensure it would never happen again.
Of course, that failed.
There is a plaque at the site of the tragedy but as Wanderers moved from
Burnden in 1997, the tribute is now inside an Asda. In truth, it is a bit of
a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it memorial.
However, Bolton are determined this week to remember those who died.
On Wednesday, the club will hold a service at the Macron Stadium, their new
home.
As current manager Neil Lennon said: “The Burnden Disaster was a black day in
the club’s history — the memorial will be a significant moment for us all.”
The names of those who died will be read out from a new memorial book which
will be placed on permanent display in the reception area at the ground.
And against Ipswich on Tuesday, the Wanderers players will wear a special
commemorative third kit, with the names of the 33 victims stitched into the
shirts.
This year, they will be remembered. And long may it continue.