MPs call for Dalglish knighthood

Thirteen MPs have signed a Commons motion calling for Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish to be knighted.

The motion was tabled by Liverpool Walton MP Steve Rotheram because of what he said was his “outstanding contribution” to British football.

Mr Rotheram raised the issue two weeks ago, on the 22nd anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.

The motion said it would be a “fitting tribute” to the families of the 96 fans who were killed.

Earned respect

Dalglish was manager on 15 April 1989, when the Liverpool fans were crushed to death at an FA Cup semi-final.

He earned gratitude and respect for the way he represented the city and club in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Dalglish, now 60, helped ensure the club was represented at all of the fans’ funerals and attended many of them in person.

He resigned as manager of the club in 1991, but returned in January, following the departure of Roy Hodgson.

Mr Rotheram was asked by families of those fans killed to put down an Early Day Motion requesting the honour.

The motion, to be published on Wednesday, has been signed by Labour MPs Derek Twigg; Dave Watts; Maria Eagle; Alison McGovern; Russell Brown; Bill Esterson; Stephen Twigg; Luciana Berger; Louise Ellman; Joe Benton and Clive Betts, as well as Conservative MP Therese Coffey, a Liverpool supporter.