Two Manchester United fans have been arrested following Sunday’s FA Cup quarterfinal against Liverpool at Old Trafford for alleged tragedy chanting.
United won 4-3, scoring in the last minute of stoppage time in extra time to seal victory after a tense game.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)
The arrests follow a Football Association statement yesterday condemnding the tragedy chanting.
“We are aware of the reported tragedy chanting during [Sunday’s] FA Cup fixture between Manchester United and Liverpool, and we will be liaising with and supporting Greater Manchester Police,” the statement said.
“We strongly condemn any offensive, abusive and discriminatory chants in football stadiums, and we are determined to stamp this behaviour out.
“It is entirely unacceptable and can have a lasting and damaging impact on people and communities within our game. It must stop, and we support any club and their fans who try to eradicate this from the terraces.”
Chief Inspector James Collins, who was responsible for the fixture, said: “I would like to thank the vast majority of supporters who came along to enjoy what turned out to be an intense game right to the very last minute.
“The arrests made were the result of us taking a proactive, zero-tolerance approach to ensure that genuine supporters and spectators were able to enjoy the match safely.
“GMP can confirm that a 21-year-old and a 59-year-old man were arrested in connection with tragedy chanting. Incidents of tragedy chanting will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robustly.”