Eight arrests made over tragedy chanting and pyrotechnics at Old Trafford clash against Liverpool
Police have arrested eight men and charged another in connection with tragedy chanting, drug possession, and the use of pyrotechnics during Manchester United’s FA Cup quarter-final victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford.
During the second half of the host’s 4-3 extra time win a significant number of fans in the Stretford End were heard chanting ‘Murderers’, quickly followed by ‘Always the victims’, with the singing audible to the live television audience.
A 21-year-old man and a 59-year-old man, both Manchester United fans, were arrested in connection with tragedy chanting.
On the other side of Old Trafford, 39-year-old George Fenny, from Edinburgh, was charged with possession of a class B drug, possession of a pyrotechnic, and throwing missiles.
Other arrests were made during the match, with fans being detained on suspicion of throwing pyrotechnics, possessing drugs, and pitch encroachment.
A Greater Manchester Police (GMP) spokesperson said: "GMP can confirm that a 21-year-old man and a 59-year-old man were arrested in connection with tragedy chanting.
"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 today 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."
Overall, the eight men were arrested for the following offences:
A 36-year-old Liverpool supporter on suspicion of possession of class A drugs.
A 26-year-old Liverpool supporter on suspicion of possession of class A drugs.
A 21-year-old Liverpool supporter on suspicion of possession of class A drugs.
A 21-year-old Manchester United supporter on suspicion of causing intentional harassment, alarm or distress through chanting.
A 59-year-old Manchester United supporter on suspicion of causing intentional harassment, alarm or distress through chanting.
A 46-year-old Liverpool supporter on suspicion of possession of a pyrotechnic.
A 19-year-old Manchester United supporter on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence.
A 37-year-old Manchester United supporter on suspicion of pitch encroachment.
The Football Association has condemned the chanting and vowed to liaise with police over the matter.
United are understood to be "fully supportive" of the statements issued by The FA and GMP.
"We are aware of the reported tragedy chanting during today’s FA Cup fixture between Manchester United and Liverpool, and we will be liaising with and supporting Greater Manchester Police," read a statement.
"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."
United have repeatedly stressed there is no place in football for tragedy chanting and continue to work with Liverpool to educate fans.
Ahead of Sunday’s game the club reiterated comments made by Erik ten Hag in a joint statement with Jurgen Klopp last season where both managers collectively called for an end to this behaviour.
Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know...