Belgian Soccer Official Is Blamed for Fatal Riots

The public prosecutor in the Heysel riots trial today blamed the former secretary general of the Belgian soccer federation for badly organizing the 1985 European Champions’ Cup match, which cost 39 lives.

Twenty of 26 Britons charged with involuntary manslaughter returned to Belgium today for a mandatory appearance during the prosecutor’s closing arguments. The suspects face up to 10 years in jail for their alleged part in Europe’s worst soccer riot ever.

But prosecutor Pierre Erauw centered on Albert Roosens, who was secretary general of the Belgian soccer federation when it helped organize the final between Liverpool FC and Juventus Turin.

Just before the match at the Heysel Stadium on May 29, 1985, British fans rioted and charged into an adjacent stand with Italian supporters and 39 people were trampled or crushed to death in the panic that ensued.

Erauw said Roosens should be condemned for his neglect in preparing Europe’s annual top club match.