Hillsborough match commander David Duckenfield has accepted his failure to close the tunnel was the direct cause of the death of 96 people in April 1989.
Giving evidence during the new inquest into the disaster, Mr Duckenfield said it had been the most difficult period of his life to admit his professional failing led to the deaths.
Hillsborough match commander David Duckenfield admitted in court today he "steadfastly deceived" football club representatives.
He agreed with Michael Mansfield QC that he practiced in "far reaching deceit" and gave a false impression in the press conference after the 1989 tragedy.
ITV Granada correspondent Andy Bonner is at the inquest:
Hillsborough match commander accepts his failure to close the tunnel was the direct cause of the death of 96 people in April 1989.
The police match commander at Hillsborough has said he thinks there was no conspiracy about the disaster.