Football fan banned after tragedy chants at Leeds match
The 23-year-old has been given a banning order after offensive behaviour
A man who chanted offensive remarks referencing the deaths of two Leeds United fans has been handed a football banning order
Nicholas Harpur, 23, of Flint Lane, Sefton, Merseyside, appeared at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on Monday (January 5) where he admitted to a public order offence.
The incident occurred following the Leeds vs Liverpool match on December 6 last year.
It happened in the away fan coach park after the game, when police heard shouting and chanting between groups of home and away fans.
Harpur was identified as making tragedy chants referencing an incident in Istanbul in which two Leeds United fans died.
Harpur was fined £800 and ordered to pay a £320 surcharge and £85 in court costs. He was also made subject to a three-year football banning order.
West Yorkshire Chief Inspector Pete Hall, who was the match commander for the game, said:
“We know that the vast majority of fans don’t want to see this type of behaviour which is highly offensive and can cause genuine distress to those affected by the incidents that these tragedy chants refer to.
“Directing chants, comments or gestures such as this at rival fans has no place in football. We will continue to work closely with Leeds United and visiting clubs to ensure that any offences are investigated and banning orders sought where appropriate.”