Crucial questions still unanswered - Burnham.

Byline: ROB MERRICK 

CULTURE secretary Andy Burnham today said crucial questions about the Hillsborough tragedy have still not been answered.

The Liverpool-born minister said relatives of the 96 fans who lost their lives believed key issues - including the choice of stadium and choice of end for Reds' supporters - were "unresolved".

The comments came as Mr Burnham spoke of his memories of the terrible day which he spent watching Everton win the other FA Cup semi-final one hundred miles away in Birmingham..

Mr Burnham said: "I have always felt that part of the problem was the choice of ground and the fact that Liverpool was given the away end.

"Everton played at Hillsborough the season before and it was the most uncomfortable experience I had as a football fan.

"I remember being pulled off the ground and things like that should have given cause for concern even before the day came.

"I also remember conversations in the pub with friends who were Liverpool fans, who couldn't believe they were in the away end and not Forest fans. That was strange.

"I still feel those facts were not given sufficient prominence in the subsequent inquiries. People don't feel there has been resolution.

"Maybe it's an opportunity to look at some of those issues that still feel unresolved and difficult." Burnham, who described Hillsborough as "the personal and professional colliding" - stressed he was not suggesting there should be any further inquiry..

He added: "It's just a statement of fact that these issues are unresolved." The Cabinet minister was a 19-year-old fanatical Evertonian on April 15, 1989, joining the tens of thousands who travelled to Villa Park for his team's clash with Norwich City.

He will represent prime minister Gordon Brown at next week's memorial services at Anfield and the Town Hall..

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