CELTIC have sent a message of solidarity and support to the families of the 96 Hillsborough victims following today’s verdict.

The Liverpool supporters, who lost their lives in 1989 during a FA Cup semi-final, were exonerated by an inquest following a 27-year campaign to clear their names.

It was ruled that those who perished were unlawfully killed and that match commander Ch Supt David Duckenfield was "responsible for manslaughter by gross negligence" due to a breach of his duty of care.

"Celtic Football Club notes today’s verdict from the Hillsborough inquest which completely exonerates the 96 fans who tragically and unlawfully lost their lives in the 1989 disaster,” said the statement.

“For more than 27 long years the families of those who left us on that fateful day have campaigned for justice in the name of their loved ones and today’s news has finally brought that.

“Celtic and Liverpool have a strong bond dating back many years and the club sends its thoughts to all those concerned, including Liverpool FC, the City of Liverpool and the Justice for the 96 campaign, whose quest for the truth has today been realised.

“You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

The jury found they did not contribute to the danger unfolding at the turnstiles at the Leppings Lane end of Sheffield Wednesday's ground on 15 April 1989.

Nine jurors reached unanimous decisions on all but one of the 14 questions at the inquests into Britain's worst sporting disaster.