Police confirm arrest amid alleged ‘tragedy chanting’ in Manchester United vs Liverpool

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have made an arrest following reports of alleged “tragedy chanting” in Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final clash between Manchester United and Liverpool.

Chants were said to have been heard that indirectly referenced the Hillsborough disaster in the 4-3 win at Old Trafford.

A spokesperson from GMP said: “GMP can confirm that an arrest has been made in connection with tragic chanting at the Manchester United vs Liverpool fixture this afternoon.

“Incidents of tragic chanting will not be tolerated and will be handled robustly. We are all familiar with fans taunting their opponents at football matches, but this is generally done in good humor and without offense. The incidents today crossed the line of what is acceptable, and we will work closely with both clubs to identify anyone responsible for committing offenses during the event.”

The Football Association (FA) say they will be “liaising with and supporting” GMP, adding that they are “determined to stamp this behavior out”.

A statement read: “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.

“We strongly condemn any offensive, abusive and discriminatory chants in football stadiums, and we are determined to stamp this behavior 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 its fans who try to eradicate this from the terraces.”

United are fully supportive of the statements made by GMP and the FA. They have stressed that there is no place in football for tragedy chanting, and will continue to work with Liverpool to educate fans.

United also say that two fans in the away section were arrested for throwing pyrotechnics, with one landing on the South Stand disabled platform among supporters. The Athletic has contacted GMP for comment.

Earlier this month, Merseyside Police warned Liverpool and Manchester City fans over possible tragedy chanting, the throwing of missiles and the use of pyrotechnics before their 1-1 draw at Anfield.

In January, three United supporters were arrested for chants related to the Hillsborough disaster before December’s Premier League match against Liverpool at Anfield.

substitute Amad Diallo, meanwhile, scored a dramatic winner in the additional period of extra time to ensure United sealed their place in the semi-final. They will play Coventry City at Wembley Stadium.

(Martin Rickett/PA Images via Getty Images)