CPS Cracks Down on Horrific Football Chants
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is putting its foot down on sick football chants mocking historic tragedies like Hillsborough, the Munich air crash, and the Bradford City fire. New guidance means offenders could be slapped with Football Banning Orders, stopping them from attending matches.
Tragedy-Related Abuse Now a Serious Offence
Offensive chants or gestures about past disasters are now treated as potential public order offences. Top brass from the Football Association, Premier League, and English Football League have backed the move, signalling zero tolerance for tasteless abuse.
Football Banning Orders – What You Need to Know
- Banning Orders can stop fans from attending matches.
- They may impose travel restrictions during tournaments.
- Restrictions can also include pubs and fan zones during game times.
The CPS guidance spells out the legal actions available to tackle these vile behaviours and protect the game’s image.
Officials Speak Out Against Mindless Abuse
“This behaviour damages the sport and deeply hurts families and communities,” said Douglas Mackay, CPS.
Chief Constable Mark Roberts slammed the “mindless and vicious chanting” from a small but nasty minority.
FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham called the abuse “completely unacceptable,” with Premier League’s Richard Masters and EFL’s Trevor Birch backing him up.
Recent Convictions Show Tough Stance
The crackdown is real: Zakir Hussain got a suspended jail sentence for hateful tweets. Manchester United fan James White faces a four-year ban for wearing a Hillsborough-offensive shirt. Tottenham’s Kieron Darlow was also banned for mocking Hillsborough during a game.
The message is clear: mock football’s darkest days and you’ll pay the price – off the pitch as well as in law.
