In a shocking incident that has stirred the football community, a Man United fan James White was arrested and charged for displaying an offensive shirt related to the Hillsborough tragedy during the recent FA Cup final at Wembley
James White, a 33-year-old Manchester United fan, was seen wearing the shirt at the final on Saturday, which displayed the number 97 along with the words ‘Not Enough’. The Metropolitan Police confirmed his arrest and subsequent charges on Sunday, June 4.
Who is Man United fan James White who mocked Hillsborough disaster during FA Cup 2023 final match
In a released statement, the police detailed, “James White, 33, of Warwickshire was charged with displaying threatening or abusive writing likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.” The charge follows his arrest at Wembley for the controversial shirt referring to the Hillsborough disaster victims in offensive terms.
So this fucking piece of shit is the same far-right Britain First member, James White, who was convicted in 2020 of assaulting a security guard at the Coventry Hill Hotel which just so happened to be housing asylum seekers. pic.twitter.com/7LXrCMH56b
— Marsh4LL (@Marsh4LL1) June 4, 2023
Also the Football Association (FA) has been quick to denounce the actions of White. “The FA strongly condemns the actions of the individual who wore a shirt referencing the Hillsborough disaster ahead of the Emirates FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium,” said the statement released on Sunday.
After noticing a photograph of the shirt on social media, the FA, in collaboration with their security team, quickly located White leading to his arrest. The FA stressed that it would not tolerate such actions relating to Hillsborough or any other football tragedies at Wembley and promised to continue working with authorities to ensure stern action against the perpetrators.
Widespread outrage against James White
The Hillsborough Survivors Support Alliance, too, showed appreciation for the swift response from The FA, the Metropolitan police, and the security staff at Wembley. They stated, “We would also like to thank the messages of support that we have received from all genuine Manchester United fans, and fans from other clubs for their support.”
This incident has incited outrage among the football community, with fans across club lines condemning White’s actions. Despite the disgraceful incident, the FA Cup final proceeded, with Manchester City claiming victory over their rivals thanks to two goals from Ilkay Gundogan.
The unsettling incident serves as a sobering reminder of the need for respect and decency within the football community, especially concerning the tragedies that have befallen it. As James White awaits his appearance in court on Monday, June 19, it is hoped that such offensive behavior will be decisively addressed to prevent its recurrence.