Liverpool John Moores University has withdrawn the honorary fellowship of Sir Norman Bettison.
It follows the report from the Independent Police Complaints Commission who said the former Merseyside Chief Constable would have a case to answer over possible gross misconduct had he not resigned as Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police in October last year.
The IPCC’s report focused on the issue of Bettison’s relationship with his police authority in the period after the publication of the Hillsborough Independent Panel report in September last year.
A statement on the University’s website said: “In light of the conclusions published by the Independent Police Complaints Commission Report (28 March 2013), Liverpool John Moores University has withdrawn the Honorary Fellowship awarded to Sir Norman Bettison in 2004.
“As previously stated the University would like to commend the families and friends of those who died in the Hillsborough tragedy for the dignity and fortitude they have shown during their lengthy campaign for justice.”
Sheila Coleman of the Hillsborough Justice Campaign said on twitter: “LJMU have finally seen sense and stripped Bettison of his fellowship. #notbeforetime”
The university has come under much criticism and pressure from Hillsborough campaign groups, and from Mayor Joe Anderson to remove Bettison’s fellowship.
Mayor Anderson said on Twitter: “Well done to Liverpool John Moores University for stripping Norman Bettison of his Honorary Fellowship. His Knighthood should be next.”
A separate IPCC investigation into Bettison’s conduct after the Hillsborough disaster in 1989 is still ongoing.
He has denied being involved in any cover-up following the deaths of 96 Liverpool fans at the FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.