(Reuters) – Liverpool and Manchester United have come together to launch a new education initiative aimed at addressing tragedy-related abuse, the two clubs announced ahead of their upcoming Premier League match at Old Trafford scheduled for April 7.
The clubs have expressed strong condemnation towards fans who engage in chanting that references tragic events such as the Hillsborough disaster, the Heysel Stadium tragedy, and the Munich air disaster as a means to taunt rival supporters. Such behavior is considered a serious offense that could lead to criminal prosecution.
Premier League Director of Community Nick Perchard shared his support for the event hosted by Liverpool and Manchester United, acknowledging the collaboration between the clubs to develop and implement this educational program.
Both clubs’ foundations will work in collaboration with the league to further refine the initiative and have committed to incorporating it as a regular part of their community engagement efforts in the Merseyside and Greater Manchester areas.
Recently, a Manchester United fan was charged by the Greater Manchester Police for engaging in tragedy-related abuse targeted at Liverpool fans during a FA Cup quarter-final match on March 17.
Arsenal has also voiced its approval of the banning orders issued to three fans who pleaded guilty to tragedy-related abuse directed at Liverpool supporters during an FA Cup game at Emirates Stadium on January 7.
(Reporting by Shifa Jahan in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
