CrimeMan given football banning order for tragedy chanting

Man given football banning order for tragedy chanting

A Liverpool man has pleaded guilty to tragedy chanting during the Manchester United v Everton fixture in March.

Mark Finnigan (24) of llchester Road, appeared at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court.

He pleaded guilty to the tragedy chanting offence but 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.”

Helen Greaney
Helen Greaney
I'm a journalist with more than 18 years' experience on local, regional and national newspapers, as well as PR and digital marketing. Crime and the courts is my specialist area but I'm also keen to hear your stories concerning Manchester and the greater North West region.
Latest

PR Fire Highlights the Ongoing Importance of Press Release Distribution for Brand Growth in 2026

Standing out in today's digital landscape has become increasingly challenging, making reliable communication channels more valuable than ever. As competition for online visibility intensifies,...

7 Best areas in Greater Manchester for first-time buyers

Manchester is known for its industrial history, thriving business scene, and neighbourhoods. The city's famous worker bee, first adopted during the 19th century, still...

CV Hubs Introduces Surcharge-Free Truck Wheel Hubs with New Core Rebate Scheme

The UK's leading commercial vehicle wheel hub specialist, CV Hubs & Bearings, has announced two customer-focused improvements designed to make buying replacement wheel hubs...

Select event in Manchester highlights home care business opportunities

Increasing numbers of people are recognising the huge opportunities of the social care sector. Now a team from Walfinch home care is offering ambitious investors the...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

CV Hubs Introduces Surcharge-Free Truck Wheel Hubs with New Core Rebate Scheme

The UK's leading commercial vehicle wheel hub specialist, CV Hubs & Bearings, has announced two customer-focused improvements designed to make buying replacement wheel hubs...

7 Best areas in Greater Manchester for first-time buyers

Manchester is known for its industrial history, thriving business scene, and neighbourhoods. The city's famous worker bee, first adopted during the 19th century, still...

PR Fire Highlights the Ongoing Importance of Press Release Distribution for Brand Growth in 2026

Standing out in today's digital landscape has become increasingly challenging, making reliable communication channels more valuable than ever. As competition for online visibility intensifies,...

How hospitality businesses in Manchester are adapting to modern day challenges 

The hospitality industry has always been a fierce one. But in the age of social media, inflated prices, and high demand, running a facility...

More News

How to make sure your business bounces back after a cybersecurity attack

You’ll rarely see a cyber breach coming. In a matter of moments, everything you've built could be put at risk, leaving you to pick up...

Teenager arrested after proactive drug dealing operation in Chorlton

A teenage boy was arrested by South Manchester police following a proactive plain clothes operation to combat drug dealing in the area. Officers headed to...

Fake ‘luxury’ goods worth £3 million found in trading standards raid

More than 5,000 fake luxury goods worth £3.1 million have been uncovered in Bury by trading standards officers. The huge haul was discovered in raids...