Liverpool supporter charged over tragedy chanting at Leeds match
A 25-year-old Liverpool supporter has been charged following allegations of tragedy chanting at last Saturday’s Premier League encounter between Leeds United and Liverpool, reports BritPanorama.
Nicholas Harpur, from the Sefton area of Merseyside, faces a section five public order offence, according to West Yorkshire Police.
The charge relates to the alleged use of threatening or abusive words and behaviour, or disorderly conduct likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress. Individuals familiar with the case have confirmed that the alleged offence pertains to tragedy chanting during the fixture, which ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw at Elland Road.
Harpur has been granted bail and is scheduled to appear before Leeds Magistrates Court on 5 January 2025. The match itself was marred by unsavoury conduct from both sets of supporters.
Sections of the Leeds faithful were heard directing the chant “always the victims” towards Liverpool players and travelling fans throughout the contest. Leeds United have previously spoken out against such conduct, condemning what they described as “vile” tragedy chants from Millwall supporters during an FA Cup fourth-round tie at Elland Road earlier this year in February.
The Crown Prosecution Service revised its guidance on football-related offences in 2023, enabling tragedy chanting to be pursued as a public order matter. Authorities have taken an increasingly firm stance against such behaviour in recent months.
In April 2024, a Manchester United supporter received a football banning order alongside a £1,205 fine for Hillsborough-related chanting during an FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool. Two further individuals were handed banning orders in September 2024 for similar offences connected to fixtures between the two north-west rivals.
As tensions continue to simmer around such incidents, this latest charge underscores the ongoing challenges football authorities face in addressing unacceptable behaviour within the sport. With memories of past tragedies still raw, the balance between passionate support and respect remains a delicate one.
