Football fans who mock tragedies including the Hillsborough and Munich air disasters could face years-long match bans under a new crackdown.
New Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) guidelines reiterates offensive chanting or gestures about accidents or disasters involving players or fans can be treated as a public order offence.
The guidance sets out how prosecutors can apply for Football Banning Orders, which stop fans attending matches and can restrict travel – for example to next year’s Euro 2024 in Germany.
It comes after a string of convictions, including of Manchester United fan James White, who was charged after he wore a football shirt at the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Manchester United which made an offensive reference to the Hillsborough disaster, reports MirrorOnline. T ry MEN Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features Douglas Mackay, of the CPS, said “a small minority” damaged the reputation of the sport and it had a “devastating impact” on victims’ families.
Read more on manchestereveningnews.co.uk