If it is discovered that Luton fans engaged in “tragedy chanting” at Sunday’s home game against Liverpool, the team has vowed to ban such fans.
After remarks made during the 1-1 tie that seemed to allude to the Hillsborough tragedy were heard, the Football Association has questioned the team and the police about their views. According to the PA news agency, Liverpool has also written to inquire about the appropriate course of action.
In a statement, Luton expressed their disappointment and sadness over a tiny number of fans who marred the event with shouts that seemed to be in reference to prior tragedies that have touched Liverpool FC.
The club issued a statement saying, “Our safety and security team launched an internal investigation at the earliest opportunity. We condemn any kind of chanting that knowingly seeks to divide.”
According to Luton, they were looking through CCTV footage to find specific people who may be barred from stadiums or charged with crimes.
The club issued a statement saying, “Our safety and security team launched an internal investigation at the earliest opportunity. We condemn any kind of chanting that knowingly seeks to divide.”
According to Luton, they were looking through CCTV footage to find specific people who may be barred from stadiums or charged with crimes.
On Merseyside, however, Luton’s explanation that suggested fans could have chanted the chants without fully understanding what they were shouting is said to have not gone down very well.
“It has become apparent very quickly that some individuals may have participated without realising the words were related to the Hillsborough and Heysel tragedies, and we believe that the best way to convince supporters not to repeat these chants in the future is by education and communication,” Luton’s statement continued.
“We at Luton Town sincerely apologise to anyone who was hurt by the chants heard during yesterday’s game. We will keep working with supporter groups to inform fans about chants that are deemed to be tragedy abuse by CPS, the police, and football authorities.”
On April 15, 1989, a crush at Hillsborough in Sheffield during an FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest claimed the lives of ninety-seven football fans.
Following the Luton game, Reds manager Jurgen Klopp claimed, “Shame on everyone who said it,” although he did not hear the shouting that had started just after halftime.
In a statement, the FA said, “We will continue to work closely with our stakeholders across the game, including the clubs, leagues, fan groups, and the relevant authorities to proactively address this issue. We strongly condemn chanting of this nature.”
As a Sky Sports analyst present during the game, former Reds defender Jamie Carragher stated: “As supporters, you have to have rivalry,
“In the game, it has occurred two or three times. Every club has engaged in that behaviour at various points throughout the years.
“But I think we’re better than the world we live in right now.”
The Premier League condemned the tragedy-related shouting that was heard during yesterday’s Luton Town vs. Liverpool game, according to a statement the league released on Monday night.
“We are committed to treating this as a top priority and to treating it as an unacceptable issue.
“Those found guilty of abuse related to tragedies will be reported to the police and face an automatic club ban.”
A man who wore a jersey that made reference to the Hillsborough disaster at the previous season’s FA Cup final was given a four-year sporting ban in June.
Stadium bans and harsh new measures have been introduced as part of the ‘Love Football, Protect The Game’ initiative, which was approved by the English game’s authorities on the eve of the current season. Those found to have been involved in tragedies-related offences may face criminal prosecution and regulation changes.
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