Four fans arrested by Cumbria Police over tragedy chants during Carlisle v Bradford

Four fans have been arrested by Cumbria Police over tragedy chants heard being sung during Carlisle v Bradford on Saturday afternoon.

This incident took place in Carlisle 1-0 home defeat at Brunton Park, with the individuals arrested all males from Cumbria, aged between 17 and 20, and they have been bailed as investigations continue.

Tragedy chanting involves singing about tragic events related to the opposition team or its supporters, and it is considered a public order offence.

Cumbria Police, along with both football clubs, have emphasised that such behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated, urging for fans to enjoy matches responsibly.

Our officers made four arrests yesterday for public order offences after reported tragedy chanting at the football match involving @officialcufc and @officialbantams.
Such behaviour will not be tolerated in Cumbria.
Further details: https://t.co/NLLVvW8fSS pic.twitter.com/uH9Hn2e8if

— Cumbria Police (@Cumbriapolice) January 19, 2025

POLICE STATEMENT:

Officers made four arrests yesterday (18 January) for public order offences after reported tragedy chanting at the football match involving Carlisle United and Bradford City.

The four people arrested were male, aged between 17 and 20, and were from Cumbria.

The four males were subsequently bailed with investigations continuing.

Chief Superintendent Carl Patrick said: “We had an enhanced policing presence in place to ensure that people could enjoy their day safely.

“I would like to thank the vast majority of people attending the fixture for behaving in a responsible and safe manner.

“Our officers arrested four people after reported tragedy chanting. There is no place for such behaviour, and we will not tolerate this happening in Cumbria.”

Twitter users reacted on four fans arrested by Cumbria Police over tragedy chants during Carlisle v Bradford…

@Will_BCAFC_: Good work officers 💪

@joeleigh95: Complete scumbags if they did.

@buzzisbackCUFC: Was that folk chanting about the Bradford fire? Throw the book at them if it was, absolute vermin.

@cufcdeano: Football banning orders incoming. Absolutely no place in football for this kind of behaviour. Carlisle United don’t need ‘fans’ like you 👇🔵⚪️ #cufc

@BantamSilver: Tragedy chanting is disgusting #bcafc

@mitchgravesy: Horrible bastards, no need for it

@CUFCGLOBE: Absolutely disgusting behaviour. It’s alright to have banter, but tragedy chanting is disgusting and bang out of order. Ban them for life @officialcufc @CastleSportsGrp

@buzzisbackCUFC: If this is anything to do with the Bradford fire, I hope the little scroats have the book thrown at them. Vermin.

@whohammersit44: Jesus wept like there’s a good proportion of our fans that are just thick as mince unfortunately

@Lorna__Jayne: Disgusting. Get them banned.

@Iain976: Make the scum watch the “publically unseen” coverage. That’ll haunt them for the rest of their lives.

@OneTrueBrit4Lyf: I didn’t hear anything from the away end thankfully but thanks for taking action @officialcufc @Cumbriapolice

@Adam92lg: Ban them for life @CastleSportsGrp, @NClibbens, @CUFC_SLO

@pjcm7777: Embarrassing if Carlisle ‘so called fans’ think its big to chant about fellow human beings dying. Ban them for life.

On 2023, fans are being warned by the CPS that they face being banned from football matches – if they commit tragedy-related abuse as prosecutors publish additional guidance.

The CPS has updated its prosecution guidance on football related offences reconfirms that tragedy-related abuse can be prosecuted as a public order offence. The guidance, which assists prosecutors when making legal decisions on cases, set out how lawyers can apply for Football Banning Orders which not only stop fans attending matches, but also can impose other restrictions, such as not being able to travel to certain areas, or be allowed in pubs at game time and travel.

Tragedy-related abuse is when fans sing, chant or gesture offensive messages about disasters or accidents involving players or fans – including references to the Hillsborough Disaster, Munich Air Crash, Bradford Fire, Leeds fans killed in Istanbul, or the death of Emiliano Sala in a plane crash.

This can have a devastating impact on the bereaved and their communities. Sport is for everyone to enjoy, and this type of behaviour jeopardises that.

The guidance also includes reference to other hate crimes, such as homophobic or racist chanting or gestures, and pitch incursion.

Douglas Mackay of the CPS said: “A small minority of so-called fans are both damaging the reputation of the sport and more importantly this offending has a devastating impact on the families of victims of tragedies and the communities connected closely to these events.

“This updated guidance sends the clear message that this vile behaviour will not be tolerated.

“We want supporters to passionately enjoy our national sport without crossing the line into criminality.

Chief Constable Mark Roberts, NPCC (National Police Chiefs’ Council) Lead for Football Policing, said: “We work closely with the CPS and support these efforts to tackle the mindless and vicious chanting that unfortunately a minority of supporters engage in.

“This behaviour can cause significant distress to those who have lost loved ones or friends, as well as those who were present at these tragedies. Whatever the rivalries, it is never acceptable.”

Football Association Chief Executive, Mark Bullingham, said: “Tragedy related abuse is completely unacceptable and has no place in our game. This behaviour is highly offensive and can have a lasting effect on the families, friends and communities who have been devastatingly impacted by these events. We welcome the new guidance from the Crown Prosecution Service to tackle incidents of this nature – which could lead to football bans and potential criminal proceedings.”

Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: “We strongly believe there is no room for abhorrent tragedy abuse in football. Along with our clubs and the authorities, we are committed to sanctioning those found guilty and will also focus on educating fans of all ages, so they understand why this abuse is so hurtful and unacceptable.”

Trevor Birch, English Football League Chief Executive said: “There is absolutely no place for football tragedy abuse in any walk of life, so that is why the game and authorities, including the CPS, are introducing strong new measures to combat this behaviour.”

The CPS is currently working with the police, clubs, player bodies and the Premier League, English Football League, Women’s Super League, Women’s Championship, National Football League and the national referee organisation to help explain to football fans the impact of this abhorrent behaviour and the consequences they could face if they commit criminal actions.

The football authorities launched a charter which aims to improve fans and players’ behaviour at games.