In updated guidance from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), football fans in England and Wales may face bans from matches if they engage in mocking tragedies like the Hillsborough disaster. The CPS guidance emphasizes that actions such as singing, chanting, or displaying offensive messages about accidents or disasters involving players or fans could be seen as a public order offense. The Football Association, the Premier League, and the English Football League have all supported this guidance.
This updated guidance will assist prosecutors in making legal decisions and outline how lawyers can apply for football banning orders. These orders have the power to prevent supporters from attending matches, impose travel restrictions to certain areas, and even restrict access to pubs during games. Douglas Mackay of the CPS expressed concern about how a small minority of so-called fans damage the sport’s reputation and the devastating impact their offenses have on the families of victims.
The revised guidance will also encompass chants related to incidents such as the 1958 Munich air crash, the 1985 Bradford City fire, and the 2019 plane crash that took the life of Emiliano Sala. Mark Roberts, the chief constable of Cheshire police and lead for football policing in the National Police Chiefs’ Council, welcomed this effort to address the mindless and vicious chanting perpetuated by a minority of fans.
Richard Masters, the chief executive of the Premier League, stated that there is no place for abhorrent tragedy abuse in football. He emphasized the commitment of the league, clubs, and authorities to punish those found guilty and to focus on educating fans of all ages about the hurtful and unacceptable nature of such abuse.
Recent months have seen successful prosecutions for abusive or offensive messages related to disasters. For example, a Manchester United supporter received a four-year ban after wearing a shirt with an offensive reference to the Hillsborough disaster at Wembley. The club also imposed an indefinite ban on the individual, preventing them from participating in any club activities.
In conclusion, the CPS’s updated guidance aims to tackle disrespectful behavior by football fans and protect the families and communities affected by tragedies. The support from football governing bodies and law enforcement highlights the collective effort to address this issue. It is crucial to promote respect and understanding among fans to prevent further harm and promote a positive footballing environment.
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