The man who was in control of police operations at the Hillsborough Stadium tragedy in 1989 pleaded not guilty to manslaughter by gross negligence.
Former South Yorkshire Police chief superintendent David Duckenfield appeared via video link at Preston Crown Court in England on Monday and was formally charged as the names of the 95 men, women and children who died in the crush were read out.
Duckenfield was the match commander for the game between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup semifinals in April 1989.
A judge allowed Duckenfield to face trial when he lifted a stay of prosecution in June, nearly 18 years after it was imposed.
Ninety-six people — all Liverpool fans — died in the worst sports disaster in Britain. Under the law at the time, there can be no prosecution for the death of the 96th victim, Tony Bland, because he died more than a year and a day after his injuries were caused.
The provisional date for Duckenfield’s trial has been set for Jan. 14. Around a dozen family members were in court for the hearing.
A former police chief constable accused of lying in his role in the incident will not face any charges after they were dropped by prosecutors last month.
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