Tottenham fan banned from matches for mocking Hillsborough victims at Anfield tie

A football fan has been banned from attending matches for three years after mocking the Hillsborough tragedy.

Spurs supporter Kieron Darlow, 25, admitted making gestures mocking the tragedy while attending Liverpool's game against Tottenham on 30 April.

Prosecutors previously said he raised both of his hands with his palms facing out, mimicking being pushed and squashed in the way that victims of the Hillsborough tragedy.

97 people died as a result of the crush at the FA Cup semi final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest in 1989.

His actions were reported to police at the game and Darlow, of Welwyn in Hertfordshire, was identified, arrested, and charged with intentionally causing harassment, alarm or distress.

Darlow pleaded guilty to the offence at Sefton Magistrates Court, and on 13 June, was issued with a three-year order, a 12-month community order, £200 compensation penalty and other fines.

Andrew Page, of CPS Mersey Cheshire, said: “Darlow admitted making a gesture towards the Liverpool fans and that this was a reference to the Hillsborough disaster.

“He admitted that this was to suggest that fans without tickets had pushed forward in the tragedy and had been partly to blame for the crush that led to so many deaths.

“He accepted at court that it was his intention that Liverpool fans should see this and that it would cause them harassment, alarm and distress. He admitted that his behaviour was unacceptable and regrets his actions.

“Darlow knew what he was doing and it was done knowing what an impact the Hillsborough tragedy had on Liverpool fans and the city of Liverpool but he did it anyway.

"This sort of behaviour is not only morally unacceptable, it is criminal.

“We hope this prosecution sends a message out to all football fans that their behaviour at football games is important and that, if it crosses into criminality, they will be met with the full force of the law.”

Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Paul White said: “This type of behaviour has no place in football.

"We will take action and identify those who commit hate crime in any form, and this includes unacceptable chanting which causes distress to others.

“Merseyside Police will work to identify and bring to justice anyone found responsible for committing a hate crime.

“I hope this sends a clear message and acts as a deterrent to others that we will be put you before the courts to be prosecuted.”