Metropolitan Police Confirm Arrest After Vile Hillsborough Chants at Chelsea vs. Liverpool
On Sunday, August 13th, during the 1-1 draw between Chelsea and Liverpool, vile chants referencing the Hillsborough tragedy could be heard from the stands. This comes despite a new directive from the Premier League and the FA to “crack down” on chants referencing footballing tragedies, announced last month.
The Metropolitan Police have now confirmed one arrest in connection with the chants. In a statement on Twitter, they revealed that two supporters were reprimanded for their involvement in Hillsborough chanting.
“Officers have been made aware of reports on social media re: tragedy chanting at the Chelsea v Liverpool match,” the statement reads. “Working with the club we have identified two males suspected of engaging in this behaviour. One was arrested on suspicion of public order offences and the other was ejected.”
Stadium Bans and Criminal Sanctions Among Punishments
The punishments referenced in the joint-statement from the Premier League and the FA include stadium bans and criminal sanctions. The Hillsborough Survivors Support Alliance (HSA) have called for the Premier League to sanction clubs in the event of ongoing abuse.
“Play behind closed doors, dock points, whatever it takes to stop these pathetic idiots,” was the HSA response on Sunday.
Recent Incidents of Tragedy Chanting
In January, a total of 16 Chelsea fans were ejected from the away end for Hillsborough chants during the 0-0 draw at Anfield. Leeds issued a lifetime ban to one of their supporters, Man City belatedly apologised for their fans’ chanting and Tottenham and Man United fans were arrested for similar offences.
Commentator Martin Tyler was forced to apologise and reminded of his responsibilities after relating Hillsborough with “other hooligan-related issues” during a Sky Sports broadcast.
Conclusion
The Metropolitan Police have now confirmed one arrest in connection with the vile chants referencing the Hillsborough tragedy heard during Sunday’s 1-1 draw between Chelsea and Liverpool. Stadium bans and criminal sanctions are among the punishments referenced in the joint-statement from the Premier League and the FA to “crack down” on chants referencing footballing tragedies.
The Hillsborough Survivors Support Alliance have called for the Premier League to sanction clubs in the event of ongoing abuse, while recent incidents of tragedy chanting have seen 16 Chelsea fans ejected from Anfield, Leeds issue a lifetime ban to one of their supporters, Man City apologise for their fans’ chanting and Tottenham and Man United fans arrested.