A Manchester United supporter has been charged after wearing a shirt mocking the Hillsborough disaster at Saturday’s FA Cup final. The 33-year-old man from Warwickshire was charged with “displaying threatening or abusive writing likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.”
James White was arrested on Saturday after the match between United and Manchester City at Wembley. He was pictured wearing a customised Red Devils shirt with “Not enough 97” printed on the back.
The message referenced the 1989 disaster at Hillsborough which caused the deaths of 97 Liverpool supporters. The photo of White quickly circled social media and fans in their thousands tweeted their disgust at the image.
Later in the day, White was pictured in handcuffs and being put into a police van. And now the Metropolitan Police have confirmed he has been charged.
A statement reads: “James White, 33, of Warwickshire, has been charged with displaying threatening or abusive writing likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress, after allegedly wearing a football shirt at Wembley Stadium which appeared to make an offensive reference to the Hillsborough tragedy.”
The FA have also released a statement on the events of Saturday and the subsequent charge of White. It reads: “The FA 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.”
White was bailed to appear at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Monday. He wasn’t the only supporter to be arrested at Saturday’s first all-Manchester final.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed 22 other people were arrested. Offences such as assault, affray, possession of drugs and drunk and disorderly behaviour occurred.
United defender Victor Lindelof was also struck by an object thrown from the crowd after the Red Devils’ equaliser in the first half. However, no one has yet been arrested for that incident.
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