Man City condemn offensive Sir Bobby Charlton chants at their game against Brighton

Man City have taken to condemn offensive chants about Sir Bobby Charlton heard at their game against Brighton on Saturday afternoon.

City issued a statement in which they said they will take action after a “small number of individuals” could be heard singing offensive chants following the death of Sir Bobby Charlton.

The Manchester United and England legend sadly passed away on Saturday aged 86 with a book of condolence available to the public at Old Trafford from Sunday.

Wow!! this is absolutely shocking from @ManCity fans yesterday.

“Bobby’s in a box” 🤬 pic.twitter.com/qC8aaD7PwG

— Paul 𝕏 Manc Bald and Bred (@MufcWonItAll2) October 22, 2023

A statement from Manchester City said: “Manchester City FC are extremely disappointed to have learned of reports of offensive chanting from a small number of individuals about Sir Bobby Charlton in some of the concourses of Etihad Stadium during half-time of yesterday’s Premier League fixture against Brighton and Hove Albion.

“The club condemns these chants in the strongest terms and apologises unreservedly to the family and friends of Sir Bobby, and to all those at Manchester United.

“On this day of all days, when the stadium stood to pay tribute to our own legend in Francis Lee, Manchester City supporters should understand and appreciate as keenly as anyone the need for respect in our game.

“Our security team are studying CCTV footage of the concourse areas. We are thankful to those who have already come forward to report this matter.

“We continue to appeal for any information that can help us identify the individuals involved so that we can take the appropriate action to issue banning orders.”

Man Utd’s next home Premier League game will be the Manchester derby against City on Sunday the 29th of October, and again it is stressed not to sing such chants, which is now something you can be punished for by the CPS.

The Premier League meanwhile tweeted: The Premier League is appalled to hear reports of chanting related to Sir Bobby Charlton at yesterday’s game at Etihad Stadium.

“We welcome Manchester City seeking information on those responsible and will support any subsequent action.”

CPS STATEMENT

Fans are being warned they face being banned from football matches – and next year’s Men’s European Championships – if they commit tragedy-related abuse as prosecutors publish additional guidance today.

The CPS has updated its prosecution guidance on football related offences which 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 during tournament times.

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.

Recent CPS prosecutions of tragedy related abuse includes:

• Man Utd fan banned for wearing a Hillsborough tragedy offensive shirt
• Suspended prison sentence for man who sent offensive Hillsborough and anti-Semitic tweets
• Spurs fan sentenced for mocking the Hillsborough tragedy at Liverpool FC match

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.

Football authorities have also launched a charter which aims to improve fans and players’ behaviour at games.

Twitter users reacted as Man City take to condemn the offensive Sir Bobby Charlton chants heard at their game against Brighton…

Shouldn’t be too difficult for @mancity to identify these 2 and ban them for life! pic.twitter.com/d0Bf6ibtLh

— Jon David (@Jon_David84) October 22, 2023

@Northstand442: Classless as always

@steve_bone1: Shocking from them. Need to find them and punish them 🤬🤬🤬

@EADSY2009: Absolutely f****** disgusting !!!

@Kersh76: Little fucking scumbags! But this apparently was just these few little bellends, a few of my city mates are angry, fuming and embarrassed that these little Gimps tarred their clubs reputation. All good lads as well. Hope they get fucked #MUFC

@BerridgeHenry: Ban anyone they can identify in the video, vile little cunts

@Robbo87Ashley: Absolute irrelevant scum of earth prove me wrong

@willllyeah: Classless freaks

@MickRooksby: Vile vile scumbags 🤬🤬🤬

@joeythehoss: Tragedy chanting of any kind can fuck all the way off. Whether its a deceased ex-player, Munich, Hillsborough, Heysel, the Bradford fire. If you have to resort to bringing up the deaths of people to get a rise out of opposition fans you’re an absolute fuckwit and a cretin

@Alexkirman1: Fucking vile creatures 😡

@footballindexer: Scum. And utterly brainless. Sir Bobby Charlton is a hero that crosses all divides – not that should need to be the case anyway, to stop Neanderthals illustrating such cunt-like behaviour.

@arabmackem: Some folks are just out and out cu*nts.