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

Evlo shortlisted for Best Use of Technology at the Collections and Vulnerability Awards 2026

UK consumer lender recognised for AI-led work with CourtCorrect that turned thousands of customer journeys into a new frontline standard for collections LONDON, UK. September...

Find Out How Visible Your Business Really Is Online With PR Fire’s Free SEO & AI Audit

Knowing where your business stands online can be harder than it looks. A website may appear healthy on the surface while important search visibility...

Orchids are officially Britain’s most baffling houseplant, a year of search data shows

DEVON, UK. September 21st, 2026 - No plant confuses Britain like the orchid. Devon nursery Houseplant.co.uk analysed a year of Google search data and...

What to Consider When Installing Remote-View CCTV in Edinburgh

Modern CCTV systems can allow property owners to monitor cameras when they are away from the premises. That convenience makes remote access useful, but...
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

A missing TV picture does not automatically mean a new aerial is needed

Households faced with missing channels or a broken television picture can make a more informed repair decision by checking whether the problem is with...

Before replacing your TV setup, check whether the dish is still part of the plan

As streaming changes how households access live television, the equipment outside a property may or may not remain relevant. A move to a different...

Orchids are officially Britain’s most baffling houseplant, a year of search data shows

DEVON, UK. September 21st, 2026 - No plant confuses Britain like the orchid. Devon nursery Houseplant.co.uk analysed a year of Google search data and...

Car thief jailed after hit-and-run robbery of cyclist

A TEENAGER has been jailed after knocking a young man off his e-bike in a stolen car, leaving him injured on the ground and...

More News

Car thief jailed after hit-and-run robbery of cyclist

A TEENAGER has been jailed after knocking a young man off his e-bike in a stolen car, leaving him injured on the ground and...

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...