Manchester United Condemns Mocking of Hillsborough Disaster
Manchester United has condemned the mocking of the Hillsborough disaster after a fan was handed an indefinite club ban. James White pleaded guilty to displaying threatening or abusive writing likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress at Willesden Magistrates’ Court in London on Monday. The 33-year-old was arrested outside Wembley Stadium during the FA Cup final between United and Manchester City on June 3. White had worn a football shirt that had an offensive reference to the Hillsborough disaster of 1989, where 97 fans died.
The Shirt
Photos quickly circulated of the shirt, which had the number 97 on the back with the words ‘NOT ENOUGH’ written above it, on social media, drawing in widespread disgust from most fans. Despite pleading guilty to the charges, White initially told police that the football shirt was a reference to his grandad. He claimed: “You haven’t asked what the t-shirt means. My grandad died at age 97 and he didn’t have enough kids.”
Verdict
But in court, district judge Mark Jabbitt told the offender: “You attended the FA cup final of Manchester United vs Manchester City on June 3, a high-profile football event. And there you were, wearing a Manchester United football shirt with ’97 Not Enough’ written on the back. It’s hard to imagine a more painful or offensive message to the 1989 Hillsborough disaster. I will suggest to you the impact is profound and distressing. Why you would display a carefully printed top when Manchester United was playing Manchester City, it’s hard to understand.”
Punishment
As well as receiving an indefinite ban from United, White was handed a four-year ban from football. He was also fined £1,000 and told to pay a victim surcharge of £400 and £85 in costs.
FA’s Response
The FA has also since made its own statement in response, condemning the actions of the fan. It read: “The FA strongly condemns the actions of the individual who wore a shirt referencing the Hillsborough disaster ahead of the Emirates FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium. We saw a photograph of the offensive shirt on social media and immediately started working to identify the perpetrator. Our security team were able to quickly locate the individual based on the image, and we welcome the swift action which was then taken by the police. We will not tolerate abuse relating to Hillsborough or any football tragedy at Wembley Stadium and we will continue to work with the authorities to ensure strong action is taken against perpetrators.”
Manchester United’s Statement
United has since condemned the actions, and said in a statement: “Mockery of Hillsborough and other football tragedies is completely unacceptable, and the club will continue to support firm action to eradicate it from the game.” The club has been vocal in its support for the victims of the Hillsborough disaster, which occurred during an FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Sheffield Wednesday’s Hillsborough stadium on April 15, 1989.
The Disaster
The disaster resulted in the deaths of 96 Liverpool fans, with a 97th victim dying four years later due to injuries sustained in the incident. The tragedy was caused by overcrowding in the Leppings Lane end of the stadium, which led to a crush that caused fans to be crushed against barriers and fences. The disaster led to a change in stadium safety regulations and an overhaul of football grounds across the UK.
Conclusion
The mocking of such a tragedy is unacceptable, and it is good to see that Manchester United has taken swift action against the fan. The club’s statement shows that it is committed to eradicating such behavior from football, and it is important that other clubs follow suit. The FA’s response also shows that it takes such incidents seriously and will work with the authorities to ensure that strong action is taken against perpetrators. It is important that we continue to remember the victims of the Hillsborough disaster and ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.