A man who made gestures mocking victims of the Hillsborough tragedy while at a football game has received a fine and a banning order

David Murphy (09/07/1981), of The Willows, Frodsham, Cheshire, was in attendance at the Manchester City vs Liverpool fixture at the Etihad Stadium on 22 December 2022, when the public order offence occurred.

Following the final whistle, Murphy was seen making a repeated number of offensive gestures towards Liverpool fans in attendance, including ones which appeared to mock the Hillsborough tragedy.

Tragedy chanting or gesturing is the term used to describe when fans sing deeply offensive songs or use gestures that reference stadium disasters or fatal accidents involving players or supporters.

Police forces across the country are determined to stop such acts where they see it and Greater Manchester Police take a zero-tolerance approach to any reports they receive.

Appearing at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court, Murphy was handed a £265 fine, in addition to costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £106.

Following his sentence, a football banning order was also made, which prohibits Murphy from attending specified games – both in the UK and abroad – for a period of three years.

Superintendent Gareth Parkin, from Greater Manchester Police said: “Mocking tragedies is utterly despicable and it is horrendous that some people think that it is an appropriate thing to do at a match. It isn’t casual banter; it is deeply offensive behaviour that opens up old wounds and ruins games of football.”

“Some people take rivalries that step too far and while there is always room for healthy competition, there will never be room for this sort of behaviour at a football match. We have zero-tolerance for it, and it is something that we will always act on, to stop and punish where we can.

“People should acknowledge the hurt and pain that their actions can cause and realise that we will never turn a blind eye to them.”

If anyone ever sees offensive gestures at a football match, they should report it to their nearest steward or police officer.