Man Utd fan banned from matches over deeply offensive gestures
A Manchester United fan has admitted ‘tragedy chanting’ and making offensive gestures mocking football disasters at matches against Liverpool.
Michael Avery, 45, said he is ‘ashamed’ by his behaviour and hopes other fans ‘think twice’ before acting like he did, as he pleaded guilty to a public order offence at Manchester Magistrates’ Court.
A video posted on social media site X, showing Avory placing his hand over his face with his fingers splayed during a game at Old Trafford on March 17, was played by prosecutors.
The court was told this was a reference to the Hillsborough disaster, in which Liverpool fans were crushed at the 1989 FA Cup semi-final – resulting in 97 deaths.
Avery was also spotted pushing with two hands, which the court heard was referring to the 1985 Heysel Stadium disaster in which 39 people died.
As the short video was played twice, the defendant sat with his head bowed.
He later told the court: ‘I just want to reiterate that I’m just deeply sorry and I really regret what I did. I’m ashamed and embarrassed.
‘Everyone that knows me has obviously felt this as well. It’s just a difficult situation. I wish it never would have happened. I regret it terribly.
‘I hope other people look on what’s happened to me and think twice before they do anything at football games.’
Prosecutor Tess Kenyon told the court that Avery had presented himself at a police station the day after the clip went viral, telling officers that people were ‘getting the wrong end of the stick’.
She said: ‘The defendant’s gestures are abusive in the context of what they denote and they were directed towards Liverpool fans at this football match.’
Ian Huggan, defending, said: ‘He feels that he has not only let himself down but his family and close friends.’
Avery, from Manchester, was banned from attending football matches in the UK for three years, and will now have to surrender his passport when certain games are played outside the country.
He was also ordered to pay £1,205 – made up of an £800 fine, a victim surcharge of £320 and prosecution costs of £85.
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