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

Manchester launches bold five-year City of Cycling plan

Manchester City Council, in partnership with Manchester Active, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), British Cycling, Cycling UK and Marketing Manchester, has launched the Manchester...

Why more Manchester businesses are turning to self storage to cut overheads

Commercial property costs in Manchester have risen steadily over the past decade. For SMEs navigating post-pandemic hybrid working, shifting consumer demand, and tighter margins,...

CLEAN Services Introduces Pisys Permit to Work Platform Across UK Sites

CLEAN Services has rolled out the Pisys Permit to Work system throughout its operations in the United Kingdom, replacing its previous paper-based method and...

Coach Reveals Pay-Boosting Scripts as UK Lags in Workplace Equality

New findings in PwC’s Women in Work Index 2026 are renewing focus on the day-to-day moments where women’s progression can stall, including pay conversations,...
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

Parfetts’ Go Local named Retailers’ Favourite Symbol Group

Stockport-headquartered wholesaler Parfetts has secured national recognition after its Go Local fascia was named Retailers’ Favourite Symbol Group at the Convenience Awards, marking the...

Manchester launches bold five-year City of Cycling plan

Manchester City Council, in partnership with Manchester Active, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), British Cycling, Cycling UK and Marketing Manchester, has launched the Manchester...

3 Scientifically-backed benefits of whole-body cryotherapy

The popularity of whole-body cryotherapy has surged in recent years. What was once a niche recovery tool reserved for elite athletes is now accessible...

CLEAN Services Introduces Pisys Permit to Work Platform Across UK Sites

CLEAN Services has rolled out the Pisys Permit to Work system throughout its operations in the United Kingdom, replacing its previous paper-based method and...

More News

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...

Detective convicted of sexual offences is dismissed

Greater Manchester Police have dismissed detective sergeant Richard Mills and barred him from policing at an Accelerated Misconduct Hearing. Mills was sentenced to 18 months...

Eight years behind bars for man who threw acid at teenager’s face

A man has been jailed after throwing a corrosive substance over a 16-year-old boy during an attack in Stockport. Gilson Martins (23) of Ashton Street,...