Victims of Liverpool bus parade incident blast the club for letting them down | OneFootball

Victims of the car attack that marred the Liverpool Premier League title parade have spoken publicly about the long-term physical and psychological toll of the incident.

Some people claim the club has forgotten them since the tragedy on May 26 last year.

Former Royal Marine Paul Doyle was sentenced in December to 21 years and six months in prison at Liverpool Crown Court for driving his car into crowds of supporters during the celebrations.

The attack injured 134 people in a matter of minutes. Authorities later described the absence of fatalities as ‘pure luck’.

Among those hurt was lifelong Liverpool fan Stefan Dettlaf, who suffered six broken ribs and spent several days in hospital.

Speaking nearly 10 months after the incident, the 73-year-old revealed the psychological trauma that followed.

“For months after – right up until January – even talking about it, I would break down,” he said (via the Daily Mail).

Dettlaf also voiced disappointment at what he believes has been a lack of contact from Liverpool, the club he has supported for more than six decades.

“I believe Liverpool have let us down,” he added. “Even just someone to ask how you are would have meant something.”

Another victim, 31-year-old Dean Townsend, said he has struggled with psychological effects since the attack, claiming he feels ‘well and truly forgotten’.

Townsend, who broke three ribs during the incident, said he is undergoing counselling twice a week as he continues to deal with the aftermath.

However, it is worth noting that Liverpool were not allowed to contact the victims during the legal process.

They were advised not to contact individuals directly while the criminal case was ongoing, as doing so could have prejudiced the proceedings.

The responsibility for directing victims towards support services rested primarily with police and healthcare authorities.

Liverpool say they were provided with details for around 30 victims, those most seriously injured or younger supporters, and contacted each of them in the weeks following the attack.

Manager Arne Slot and several players also reached out, while the club maintains it continues to offer assistance to victims who later come forward.