Luton to escape FA punishment for sick chants against Liverpool blasted by Jamie Carragher as talks held with police
THE FA will not sanction Luton over the “tragedy chanting” that marred the Hatters’ 1-1 draw with Liverpool.
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher condemned the home fans who chanted “always the victims” during the game – a reference to the Hillsborough disaster.
But while the FA and Premier League united in a pre-season drive to root out offensive chants, that did not include punishing clubs for the behaviour of their fans.
While Wembley accepts the chants are offensive and do not want them to continue, they are not deemed “discriminatory” in law – and so cannot bring FA action.
The onus is on Luton to identify and – if they see fit – ban the perpetrators, while working alongside local police to determine if a criminal act has taken place.
Such action would be welcomed by the FA but they are powerless to act by taking any disciplinary action.
Despite that, the FA showed its concern as a spokesperson said: “We are aware of the tragedy chanting during yesterday’s Premier League fixture between Luton Town and Liverpool.
“We are seeking observations from Luton Town and further detail from the Police.
“We strongly condemn chanting of this nature and will continue to work closely with our stakeholders across the game, including the clubs, leagues, fan groups and the relevant authorities to proactively address this issue.”
Carragher had called out the home fans for their sick chants, which were heard live on Sky Sports.
Appearing on commentary, he said during the game: “At the start of the season I was involved in something about tragedy chanting and supporters coming together. I have just heard something a couple of times in this game.
“Supporters have got to have rivalry but we are better than that. A lot of clubs have been guilty of that over the years but football fans are better than that.”
The Luton chants came just a week after Manchester City blasted a section of their own fans.
A small section of fans were overheard singing disgraceful chants following the death of Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton.
City responded to the incident with a damning club statement, condemning the chants from their supporters.