Man sentenced for tragedy chanting and given football banning order

Mark Finnigan (25/11/1999) of llchester Road, Liverpool, appeared at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court today (Wednesday 10 April 2024) in response to a charge of tragedy chanting committed during the Manchester United v Everton fixture in March.

Finnigan pleaded guilty to the offence however opposed a football banning order.

Following a short hearing the court sentenced Finnigan to a conditional discharge of six months and a three-year football banning order was made.

Inspector Gregg Anderton, of GMP’s Specialist Operational Planning Unit, said: “Finnigan was witnessed by an officer to turn towards the home crowd and make a hand gesture which he later accepted could be interpreted as being related to the Munich air disaster.

“Finnigan was removed from the ground and arrested on suspicion of using threatening or abusive words or behaviour with intent to cause harassment, alarm, or distress under the Public Order Act.

“We are reiterating the message that any kind of gesture or comments from any supporters to other clubs in relation to tragedy chanting will not be tolerated and is completely unacceptable.

“I would also like this to be a strong warning for any supporters attending future fixtures in Greater Manchester that if you engage in this behaviour, GMP officers will do everything possible to bring you in front of the courts.”