It will be the first time Liverpool and Nottingham Forest have faced one other in the FA Cup since their semi-final matchup in 1988-89 when they hit the field for their quarterfinal matchup on Monday morning (March 21, New Zealand time).
Football fans throughout the world will always remember the inaugural game at Sheffield’s Hillsborough Stadium, even though the Reds easily won the subsequent rematch 3-1 at Old Trafford in early May 1989.
The tragic incident on April 15, 1989, when 95 Liverpool fans left for a football game but never returned home (two others died from their injuries much later on).
Just minutes after kickoff, it was obvious something was wrong as shocked television watchers watched. It was initially believed to be crowd fighting—a problem for which English clubs had been barred from participating in European games since 1985—but it turned out to be something far more sad, as individuals had been squashed up against fences and other objects due to congestion. The field rapidly turned into a makeshift hospital once the game was stopped.
Over the following three decades, a number of films and plays have focused on the events of that day and its apparently never-ending aftermath as families sought solace, accountability, and justice for their loved ones. One of the greatest is perhaps Anne, which is now available on Acorn TV from August 22, 2022.
One Mother’s Story, a four-part story written by Kevin Sampson, centers on Anne Williams (Maxine Peake), whose 15-year-old son Kevin (Campbell Wallace) was one among the hundreds of Liverpudlians who traveled the 63 miles to the game.
We witness his excitement as she hands him a ticket, watch him fill up on supplies, and watch him leave with his closest friend. We see the horror develop and experience the mounting suspense and dread as Anne and her husband Steve (Stephen Walters) wait and hope for Kevin to walk back through their door thanks to radio and TV coverage, featuring John Motson’s commentary, aired across the world.
His younger sister queries, “Is our Kevin okay?,” while his elder brother Michael (Bobby Schofield) reassures Anne that “he’ll be alright, he’s a lovely kid,” later in the bar.
Following a restless night with no news, Anne and Steve leave before dawn for Sheffield and proceed right to the hurriedly set-up emergency center. They first just feel compassion for the pain of others in this realm of anguish and sorrow, sure that their son is only hurt or confused. Shock and worry, however, begin to truly hit home when the Kevin Williams who the authorities had described as being in a stable condition turns out to be a 40-year-old man.
Is “Anne” on Prime Video?
“Anne” will not be streaming on Prime Video. Best shows: Reacher, House of Gucci.
Is “Anne” on Hulu?
“Anne” will not be coming on Hulu. Best flicks: Radio, School Daze.
Is “Anne” on HBO Max?
“Anne” won’t be streaming on HBO Max. Best options: Miss S, Max Original Season 1 Premiere, The Visitors, Max Original Season 1 Premiere
Is “Anne” on Netflix?
“Anne” will not be releasing on Netflix. Best choices: Karma’s World: Season 3 – NETFLIX FAMILY, VINLAND SAGA: Season 1.
Is “Anne” on Acorn TV?
“Anne” is available on Acorn TV from August 22, 2022.
Pay $4.99 per month or $49.99 annually for Acorn TV.