FA Condemns Tragedy Chanting During Man Utd’s FA Cup Quarter-Final Victory Over Liverpool
The Football Association (FA) has issued a strong statement condemning the alleged tragedy chanting that occurred during Manchester United’s FA Cup clash with Liverpool at Old Trafford.
Man Utd emerged victorious with a thrilling 4-3 win over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final, but the match was overshadowed by reports of offensive chanting from some supporters referencing the Hillsborough disaster, as reported by The Athletic.
The FA stated, “We are aware of the reported tragedy chanting during the FA Cup fixture between Manchester United and Liverpool, and we will be liaising with and supporting Greater Manchester Police.
We strongly condemn any offensive, abusive and discriminatory chants in football stadiums, and we are determined to stamp this behaviour out. It is entirely unacceptable and can have a lasting and damaging impact on people and communities within our game.
It must stop, and we support any club and their fans who try to eradicate this from the terraces.”
In response to the incident, the Greater Manchester Police have already made an arrest related to the tragedy chanting at Old Trafford, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.
A statement from the Greater Manchester Police read, “GMP can confirm that an arrest has been made in connection with tragedy chanting at the Manchester United v Liverpool fixture (Sunday 17 March).”
Incidents of tragedy chanting will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robustly. We are all familiar with fans taunting their opponents at football matches, but this is generally done in good humour and without offence.
The incidents from Old Trafford crossed the line of what is acceptable, and we will work closely with both clubs to identify anyone responsible for committing offences during the event.”
Moving forward, the Football Association will collaborate with the Greater Manchester Police to address the events that occurred at Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, Manchester United advances to the semi-finals of the FA Cup, where they will face Coventry City at Wembley.
