Here is all you need to know about Tragedy Chanting, it’s impact on football and in the Premier League
Jurgen Klopp and Erik ten Hag have pleaded with Old Trafford supporters to refrain from the tragic chanting that spoiled Manchester United’s most recent FA Cup victory over Liverpool on Sunday.
While Klopp urged supporters to “show a bit of class,” his United counterpart stated that past tragedies should not be exploited as a justification for insulting rival fans during the game.
What is tragedy chanting in the Premier League, its meaning and punishment explained
Jurgen Klopp has appealed to Liverpool and Manchester United fans not to partake in 'tragedy chanting'
Both clubs have come together to educate on the impact those chants have on survivors of the Hillsborough and Munich Air Disaster pic.twitter.com/n5GfVbHsRd
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 5, 2024
After United’s exciting 4-3 triumph last month, two fans were taken into custody on suspicion of tragedy chanting. The Stretford End’s pre- and during-game chanting were denounced by the Football Association in a statement.
The clubs have banded together to crack down on the issue after United supporters were similarly singled out following the 1958 Munich air accident.
“Tragedy-related abuse” can be prosecuted as a public order offence, with fans possibly being punished with a ‘football banning order’ meaning they could be prevented from attending matches and tournaments, travelling to certain areas and denied entrance to pubs during matches.
A look at Tragedy Chanting
Tragedy chanting is defined as “Offensive chanting, gestures or behaviour based on football-related tragedies” by the Premier League.
Following Chelsea’s 0-0 draw with Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in the previous season, the London team released a statement which stated:
Chelsea FC condemns the inappropriate chants heard from some home fans during this evening’s game.”
It further apologised that to the ones hurt by “hateful chants,” which have “no place in football.” Following Manchester City’s 4-1 victory over Klopp’s team at the Etihad Stadium in April of last year, it was much the same.
While neither Chelsea nor City made this clear, the shouts for which they both issued apology were connected to the Hillsborough tragedy.
A crush at the Leppings Lane end of Hillsborough stadium claimed the lives of ninety-seven Liverpool supporters during the 1989 FA Cup semi-final match between Nottingham Forest and Sheffield Wednesday.
The incident had a significant impact on English football, leading to the demolition of peripheral fencing and the installation of all-seater stadiums in the top flight. In 2016, an inquest found that the deaths of the Hillsborough victims were the result of unlawful killings, following a protracted and relentless fight by friends and family for justice.
On the other hand, when the Manchester United team’s jet crashed on its third attempt to take off in near-blizzard conditions on February 6, 1958, twenty-three people; eight players and three crew members; were killed. On the way back to Manchester after United’s European Cup match versus Red Star Belgrade, the aircraft made a stop to refuel.
Eight of the renowned Busby Babes; Geoff Bent, Roger Byrne, Eddie Coleman, Duncan Edwards, Mark Jones, David Pegg, Tommy Taylor, and Liam Whelan; passed away.