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

Manchester career change company launches as millions of UK professionals rethink work

Manchester-based career change company Another Path launches as career reinvention accelerates across the UK, with more than 7 million people changing jobs in 2025...

Accounting in UAE: Tax accounting standards for Dubai businesses

Dubai’s business environment has changed in the last few years. It was earlier a relatively light-touch regulatory system, and it has transformed into a...

Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month Marks the Start of Two New Charity Partnerships for Mobility in Motion

During Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, Mobility in Motion has announced that it has formed new partnerships with Steel Bones and Finding...

From Warrington to Nationwide: UK Mortgage Centre Launches Rebrand to Reflect Its Growing National Ambitions

UK Mortgage Centre, an independent mortgage broker, has revealed a new brand identity as its national expansion continues to gather pace, representing a significant...
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

Hybrid working in Manchester and how businesses are reclaiming their space

Commuting five days a week no longer fits how most teams operate, yet fully remote setups rarely deliver everything you need. In Manchester, businesses now...

Signature Clinic Bolsters National Leadership Team With Trio of Strategic Appointments

Signature Clinic, widely recognised as one of the UK's most significant cosmetic surgery providers, has confirmed three new additions to its senior leadership team...

Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month Marks the Start of Two New Charity Partnerships for Mobility in Motion

During Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, Mobility in Motion has announced that it has formed new partnerships with Steel Bones and Finding...

Manchester career change company launches as millions of UK professionals rethink work

Manchester-based career change company Another Path launches as career reinvention accelerates across the UK, with more than 7 million people changing jobs in 2025...

More News

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...

Detective convicted of sexual offences is dismissed

Greater Manchester Police have dismissed detective sergeant Richard Mills and barred him from policing at an Accelerated Misconduct Hearing. Mills was sentenced to 18 months...

Eight years behind bars for man who threw acid at teenager’s face

A man has been jailed after throwing a corrosive substance over a 16-year-old boy during an attack in Stockport. Gilson Martins (23) of Ashton Street,...