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  • 7 weeks ago
A Liverpool supporter has received a football banning order after making chants about the deaths of two Leeds United fans, highlighting the ongoing crackdown on offensive behaviour at matches.
Transcript
00:00At a match between Liverpool and Leeds United, the fans' actions have brought a painful episode back into the spotlight.
00:0723-year-old Nicholas Harper from Sefton, Merseyside, was heard chanting about the deaths of Chris Loftus and Kevin Spate.
00:15The two Leeds supporters were killed in Istanbul in April 2000, attacked with machetes during a violent outbreak involving rival fans.
00:23West Yorkshire Police confirmed officers at the away fan coach park heard Harper making references to the incident.
00:30He appeared at Leeds Magistrates Court and admitted a public order offence.
00:35The court issued a football banning order, preventing him from attending matches for three years.
00:40In addition, Harper was fined £800, with an additional £320 surcharge and £85 in costs.
00:49Chief Inspector Pete Hall said the vast majority of fans do not want to see chants that reference past tragedies.
00:55He added that directing offensive comments at rival supporters can cause genuine distress to families affected by the original incidents.
01:03Police continue to work with Leeds United and visiting clubs to investigate offences and pursue banning orders where necessary.
01:09Tragedy chants, particularly those referring to deaths, cross the line and are treated seriously by both police and the courts.
01:17West Yorkshire Police confirmed that four men were jailed over the deaths of Loftus and Spate.
01:23Football authorities stress that stadiums should be safe spaces where fans can enjoy the game without harassment.
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