CrimeMan given football banning order for tragedy chanting

Man given football banning order for tragedy chanting

A Liverpool man has pleaded guilty to tragedy chanting during the Manchester United v Everton fixture in March.

Mark Finnigan (24) of llchester Road, appeared at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court.

He pleaded guilty to the tragedy chanting offence but opposed a football banning order.

Following a short hearing, the court sentenced Finnigan to a conditional discharge of six months and a three-year football banning order was made.

Inspector Gregg Anderton, of GMP’s Specialist Operational Planning Unit, said: “Finnigan was witnessed by an officer to turn towards the home crowd and make a hand gesture which he later accepted could be interpreted as being related to the Munich air disaster.

“Finnigan was removed from the ground and arrested on suspicion of using threatening or abusive words or behaviour with intent to cause harassment, alarm, or distress under the Public Order Act.

“We are reiterating the message that any kind of gesture or comments from any supporters to other clubs in relation to tragedy chanting will not be tolerated and is completely unacceptable.

“I would also like this to be a strong warning for any supporters attending future fixtures in Greater Manchester that if you engage in this behaviour, GMP officers will do everything possible to bring you in front of the courts.”

Helen Greaney
Helen Greaney
I'm a journalist with more than 18 years' experience on local, regional and national newspapers, as well as PR and digital marketing. Crime and the courts is my specialist area but I'm also keen to hear your stories concerning Manchester and the greater North West region.
Latest

How to choose the right cloud model for your company

Choosing the right cloud model is vital because it will affect performance, security, and cost. You must assess workload requirements, compliance needs and long-term scalability...

New hypnotherapy clinic opens in Bristol and South West focused on solution-led therapy

BRISTOL, UK. June 11th, 2026 - A newly established hypnotherapy service has begun operating in Bristol and Axminster, with the aim of making therapeutic...

Altum HR shortlisted for national CIPD People Management Award

Greater Manchester HR consultancy recognised in Best CSR/ESG initiative category, with Team Member Christopher Brennan also shortlisted for the CIPD Outstanding Student Award MANCHESTER, UK....

Former QVC presenter Anne Dawson unveils trueNorth Studio to help businesses tell their story

WOKINGHAM, UK, June 11, 2026: Former QVC presenter Anne Dawson has launched trueNorth Studio, a new business designed to help companies raise their profile...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

Centre for Sight Celebrates Three Decades of Innovation in Vision Care with International Eye Health Summit

East Grinstead welcomed some of the world's foremost eye care specialists as Centre for Sight celebrated 30 years of delivering advanced vision treatment. Experts...

Awaab Comply Appoints Housing Expert Danny Bird to Drive Awareness of Awaab’s Law

Awaab Comply, the specialist compliance and property safety platform supporting housing providers in meeting the requirements of Awaab's Law, has announced the appointment of...

Mits Griffin shares expertise to help entrepreneurs transform ideas into a tangible online business

YORK, UK. June 4th, 2026 - Intrapreneur Mits Griffin is on a mission to help experts, coaches, mentors and specialists, share their solutions that help solve the...

Manchester charity helping people with rare genetic condition to receive key donation

A total of £1,548 has been raised to support a vital health charity in Greater Manchester. Worsley-based charity Cure Usher Syndrome will receive the contribution...

More News

How to make sure your business bounces back after a cybersecurity attack

You’ll rarely see a cyber breach coming. In a matter of moments, everything you've built could be put at risk, leaving you to pick up...

Teenager arrested after proactive drug dealing operation in Chorlton

A teenage boy was arrested by South Manchester police following a proactive plain clothes operation to combat drug dealing in the area. Officers headed to...

Fake ‘luxury’ goods worth £3 million found in trading standards raid

More than 5,000 fake luxury goods worth £3.1 million have been uncovered in Bury by trading standards officers. The huge haul was discovered in raids...