In a bid to combat offensive behaviour related to past sporting tragedies, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has issued updated guidance that could result in football fans being banned from games if they engage in mockery of disasters such as the Hillsborough disaster, the Munich air crash, or the Bradford City fire.
Tragedy-related abuse, characterised by offensive chants or gestures related to accidents involving players or fans, is now classified as a potential public order offence under the new guidance. This move has received the support of key figures in football, including chief executives from the Football Association, Premier League, and English Football League.
The CPS’s guidance not only reinforces the potential legal consequences of tragedy-related abuse but also outlines the process for applying Football Banning Orders. These orders can restrict attendance at matches, impose travel limitations during tournaments, and restrict access to certain areas, including pubs during game time.
Douglas Mackay of the CPS expressed concern about the impact of such behaviour on both the reputation of the sport and the affected families and communities. The collaborative effort by the CPS, police, clubs, player bodies, and football organisations aims to emphasise the repercussions of such behaviour and the legal consequences fans may face.
Chief Constable Mark Roberts of the National Police Chiefs’ Council welcomed the initiative to address the “mindless and vicious chanting” engaged in by a minority of supporters, highlighting the harmful nature of such behaviour.
FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham condemned tragedy-related abuse as “completely unacceptable,” underscoring the offences’ lasting impact on families, friends, and communities affected by these events. The sentiment was echoed by Richard Masters, Chief Executive of the Premier League, and Trevor Birch, Chief Executive of the English Football League.
Recent months have seen successful prosecutions for such behaviour. Cases include Zakir Hussain, who received a suspended jail sentence for hateful tweets, and Manchester United fan James White, who received a four-year football ban for wearing an offensive shirt referencing the Hillsborough disaster. Tottenham fan Kieron Darlow was also banned for mocking the Hillsborough disaster during a match.
