Hillsborough campaign rejects Alan Davies donation

Hillsborough campaigners have rejected a £1,000 donation Alan Davies offered to apologise for his inflammatory remarks over the tragedy.

The QI star made the gesture after provoking an angry backlash when he slammed Liverpool FC’s tradition of not playing fixtures on the anniversary of the disaster.

‘That gets on my tits that shit,’ he said. ‘What are you talking about, “We won't play on the day” Why can't they?’

On Twitter Davies admitted his comments were ‘insensitive’ and agreed that he struck the wrong tone – then agreed to make the donation to the campaign which is calling for a full investigation into the events that led to the death of 96 people.

But the Hillsborough Justice Campaign have refused the money, which was sent to its PayPal account.

Spokeswoman Sheila Coleman said: ‘It was insensitive, particularly coming this week, in the run-up to the 23rd anniversary.

‘I’ve spoken to people in our group who are hurt by what he has said. He’s apologised, but it would be good if he could educate himself as to why it’s caused so much offence.

‘He strayed into territory he shouldn’t have. People have the right to commemorate their loved ones in whatever way they see fit.

‘Davies plays Liverpool Empire in September. It doesn’t bode well for him for that gig!’

Liverpool have never played on April 15 since the disaster. It has had a knock-on effect on other FA Cup matches this year, prompting Davies’s complaint on his podcast The Tuesday Club, about his beloved Arsenal.

He said: ‘' My mum died on August 22. I don’t stay in all day on August 22. Do they play on the date of the Heysel Stadium disaster? How many dates do they not play on? 'Do Man United play on the date of Munich? Do Rangers play on the date when all their fans died in that disaster whatever year that was - 1971?'

His comments prompted a flurry of harsh abuse on Twitter, including several death threats.

Davies later said: ‘Apologies to those upset by that suggestion. I have not apologised for "PR purposes". I took the wrong tone. It's an unscripted podcast.’

Published: 11 Apr 2012