Former Sun editor Kelvin MacKenzie has apologised for the “hurt” caused by a front-page blaming Liverpool fans for the Hillsborough disaster.
His newspaper published a story four days after the tragedy proclaiming to tell "The Truth" about the human crush which left 96 people dead.
Today an inquest jury ruled the victims were unlawfully killed and agreed police errors “probably caused or contributed” to the dangerous situation that led to their deaths.
It was also determined the actions of fans played no role in the catastrophe.
But the Sun report in 1989 featured claims from an anonymous policeman that some supporters had "picked pockets of victims", "urinated on cops" and even beated up a policeman giving the "kiss of life".
Mr MacKenzie has now apologised for the "hurt" the story caused.
In a statement he said: "Today's verdicts are an important step in obtaining justice for the victims. My heart goes out to those who have waited so long for vindication.
"As I have said before, the headline I published was wrong and I am profoundly sorry for the hurt it caused."
Hillsborough Disaster - In pictures
He said his paper's coverage was based on what is now known from the inquest to be "deliberate misinformation from the South Yorkshire Police".
"Clearly, I was wrong to take the police's version of events at face value and it is a mistake I deeply regret."
Mr MacKenzie added: "The Crown Prosecution Service must now ensure that those officers within South Yorkshire Police responsible for the cover-up are brought to trial."
The Hillsborough tragedy happened on April 15 during Liverpool's FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest, as thousands of fans were crushed on Sheffield Wednesday's Leppings Lane terrace.
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