Manchester United vs Liverpool: Eight people arrested, man ...

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have arrested eight men and charged one individual following Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final clash between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford.

George Fenning, 39, was charged with possession of a class B drug, a pyrotechnic and throwing missiles. He has since been bailed.

Two United fans were arrested on suspicion of causing intentional harassment, alarm, or distress through chanting. This comes after “tragedy chanting” during the 4-3 victory, which was said to have indirectly referenced the Hillsborough disaster.

As part of United’s club sanctions, anyone found to have sung tragedy chants is handed a three-year ban, with the option to increase depending on the circumstances. Following a criminal charge, this can be increased to a lifetime ban. United say they will issue sanctions following the conclusion of the internal and police investigations.

Further arrests included three Liverpool supporters apprehended on suspicion of possession of class A drugs, along with another for suspicion of possessing a pyrotechnic. Moreover, one Liverpool fan was detained for a racially aggravated public order offence, while a United supporter was taken into custody for suspicion of pitch encroachment.

GMP said that they are “also aware of footage circulating on social media of a United supporter engaging in tragedy chanting”. They added that while no arrest has been made, they “are working with both clubs to identify the individual in connection with this incident”.

Chief Inspector Jamie Collins, Silver Commander for the match, said: “I would like to thank the vast majority of supporters who came along to enjoy what turned out to be an intense game right to the very last minute.

“Thanks as well to all our officers and partners involved in the operation yesterday who contributed to what was a fantastic FA Cup tie.

“The arrests made were the result of us taking a proactive, zero-tolerance approach to ensure that genuine supporters and spectators were able to enjoy the match safely.

“GMP can confirm that a 21-year-old and a 59-year-old man were arrested in connection with tragedy chanting. Incidents of tragedy chanting will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robustly.

“We held a supporter group meeting with both sets of fans prior to the match and both groups agreed that tragedy chanting was totally unacceptable. GMP will clamp down on this and arrest those who engage in such behaviour, regardless of what team they support.”

The Football Association (FA) said on Sunday that they will be “liaising with and supporting” GMP, adding that they are “determined to stamp this behaviour out”.

United, meanwhile, said they were fully supportive of the statements made by GMP and the FA. They have stressed that there is no place in football for tragedy chanting, and will continue to work with Liverpool to educate fans.

(Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

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