Man charged after appearing to wear offensive Hillsborough shirt at Wembley

AFP via Getty Images
Bill McLoughlin4 June 2023

A man has been charged after appearing to wear a shirt referring to the Hillsborough disaster at Saturday’s FA Cup final.

James White, 33, of Warwickshire was charged on Sunday with displaying threatening or abusive writing likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

He was arrested on Saturday after he was seen in a shirt apparently referring in offensive terms to those who died in the Hillsborough tragedy in 1989 where 97 fans were crushed during a game between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.

He was bailed to return to Willesden Magistrates’ Court on June 19.

Separately, the FA said in its own statement that it: “Strongly condemns the actions of the individual who wore a shirt referencing the Hillsborough disaster ahead of the Emirates FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium.

"We saw a photograph of the offensive shirt on social media and immediately started working to identify the perpetrator.

"Our security team were able to quickly locate the individual based on the image, and we welcome the swift action which was then taken by the police.

"We will not tolerate abuse relating to Hillsborough or any football tragedy at Wembley Stadium and we will continue to work with the authorities to ensure strong action is taken against perpetrators."

A further 22 people were arrested during the course of the policing operation for offences including assault, affray, possession of drugs and drunk and disorderly behaviour.

Enquiries continue in respect of an item thrown onto the pitch shortly after the Manchester United goal. There has been no arrest at this stage in relation to that matter, the Met said.

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