- United fan Michael Bernard Avery, 44, was charged and has since been released on bail.
- Two other Red Devils supporters were arrested by police on suspicion of chanting tragic slogans.
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A man has been charged after police investigated a video posted on social media which appeared to show a Manchester United fan making unhealthy gestures mocking Hillsborough’s disaster during Sunday’s FA Cup tie.
Michael Bernard Avery, 44, from Manchester, was charged under section 4a of the Public Order Act 1986 and has since been released on bail.
The development follows an investigation by officers from the Greater Manchester Football Specialist Operational Investigation Team after the clip was widely shared online.
Taken from the away section after United’s dramatic 4-3 victory, it showed a United supporter repeatedly pressing his hand to his face to imitate a crush as he left Old Trafford under Liverpool fans.
Police, who worked with both clubs following the match, said they were also investigating a video which appears to show tragic chants in the Liverpool section of the stadium.
The Manchester United fan who made sick ‘closing’ and ‘pushing’ gestures to mock the Hillsborough disaster during Liverpool’s FA Cup defeat at Old Trafford has been charged.
The man – Michael Bernard Avery, 44, from Manchester – appeared to be imitating pushing a wall
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Officers made eight arrests during the event. Two of those detained were United fans on suspicion of singing about tragedy. Throughout the match United fans chanted “murderers”, “always the victims, it’s never your fault” and “The Sun was right – you are murderers”.
Three Liverpool fans were arrested for possession of class A drugs, while a 46-year-old away supporter was arrested for possession of pyrotechnics. A flare was thrown into United’s disabled section from the Liverpool side of the stadium following a Mohamed Salah goal.
Chief Inspector Jamie Collins said: “Our investigation into this match in relation to fan conduct is ongoing and continuing at pace and we encourage members of the public to continue to report incidents so that we can investigate.
“We reiterate the message that any type of gesture or comment from supporters towards other clubs in relation to tragic chants will not be tolerated and is completely unacceptable.
“I would also like this to be a strong warning to all supporters attending future Greater Manchester matches, including the upcoming Premier League match between these two clubs, that if you engage in this behavior GMP officers will do everything possible to bring you to court.
The FA has issued a statement condemning reported tragic chants during the FA Cup clash.
The Red Devils came from behind to stun Liverpool in the 120-minute epic at Old Trafford
“Both clubs involved and the vast majority of supporters agree with this position and despite the passage of time, we will continue to take proactive and appropriate action in the face of tragic chants, among other infractions.”
The force added: “GMP understands the interest this case will have generated, but it is imperative that the suspect receives a fair trial, so members of the public should refrain from engaging in conversations in line, at least until the end of the procedure. Previously posted videos should be deleted.
