sport news Police charge Burnley fan, 44, arrested for tragedy chanting after he was ... trends now
A Burnley supporter has been charged by police for tragedy chanting during their match against Manchester United on Saturday.
Footage was posted on social media following Burnley's 1-1 draw against Man United on Saturday.
Clarets supporters celebrated Zeki Amdouni equaliser from the penalty spot in the 87th minute at Old Trafford.
One supporter was seen apparently making aeroplane gestures with his arms towards Man United fans and appeared to say the word 'Munich'.
The gesture appears to be in reference to the 1958 Munich Air Disaster, in which 23 people died on their way home from a European match, including many members of the Man United team nicknamed the 'Busby Babes'.
A Burnley supporter has been charged by police for tragedy chanting after being seen making what is alleged to be aeroplane gestures at Man United fans on Saturday
Greater Manchester Police confirmed to Mail Sport that Nathan Rawlinson had been charged after being arrest at Old Trafford on Saturday.
'We can confirm that we have charged Nathan Rawlinson (25/08/1979) of Bacup, Lancashire with Section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986 and has since been bailed,' a Greater Manchester Police statement read.
'This charge is after our Specialist Operational football investigation team made an arrest of a man in the away section of the Old Trafford crowd who was tragedy chanting yesterday (Saturday 27 April 2024) towards the end of the Manchester United v Burnley fixture.
'As we have enforced recently, continued incidents of tragedy chanting by anyone will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robustly.
'We understand the interest this case will have generated but it is imperative that the suspect has a fair trial so members of the public must refrain from engaging in conversations online, at least until proceedings have concluded.
'Previously circulated videos should be removed.'
Burnley issued a statement on Saturday night condemning the 'offensive footage', with the club vowing to work with Man United and police to identify and prosecute fans involved.
'We are aware of offensive footage currently circulating on social media from the away end of today’s fixture at Old Trafford,' a Burnley statement read.
'Tragedy related gesturing and chanting is completely unacceptable, and Burnley Football Club take a zero-tolerance approach.
Burnley issued a statement on Saturday evening condemning the 'offensive footage'
'We will continue to work with Greater Manchester Police, Lancashire Police and Manchester United to help identify and prosecute the individuals responsible.'
Two supporters were arrested on suspicion of tragedy chanting during the FA Cup match between Man United and Liverpool at Old Trafford in March.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed a man was arrested after United fans were heard singing 'always the victims, it's never your fault', 'The Sun was right – you're murderers'.
An FA spokesman said: ‘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.'
Three United supporters, meanwhile, were arrested earlier this year following chants relating to Hillsborough when the two sides met at Anfield in December.
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