Burnley vows to ‘identify and prosecute’ fans over tragedy chanting against Man United… after footage surfaced of fan making sick gestures mocking Munich air disaster
- Burnley released statement condemning ‘offensive images’ on social media
- The Clarets described the chants and gestures as “totally unacceptable”
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Burnley have vowed to “identify and prosecute” fans involved in chants and gestures linked to the Manchester United tragedy, after condemning footage of a fan appearing to mock the Munich air disaster.
Footage was posted on social media following Burnley’s 1-1 draw against Man United on Saturday.
Clarets fans celebrated Zeki Amdouni’s equalizer from the penalty spot in the 87th minute at Old Trafford.
One fan was seen making airplane gestures with his arms towards Man United supporters and appeared to say the word “Munich”.
The gesture appears to be a reference to the Munich air disaster of 1958, in which 23 people died while returning home from a European match, including many members of the Man United team nicknamed the “Busby Babes “.
A Burnley supporter was seen gesturing airborne towards Man United fans on Saturday.
Burnley released a statement condemning the “offensive images” posted on social media.
The Clarets pledged to “help identify and prosecute” the individuals responsible
Burnley released a statement on Saturday evening condemning the “offensive images”, with the club pledging to work with Man United and the police to identify and prosecute the fans involved.
“We are aware of offensive images currently circulating on social media from outside of today’s match at Old Trafford,” a Burnley statement said.
“Gestures and chants relating to tragedy are completely unacceptable and Burnley Football Club is taking a zero tolerance approach.”
“We will continue to work with Greater Manchester Police, Lancashire Police and Manchester United to help identify and prosecute the individuals responsible.”
Last month, two fans were arrested on suspicion of singing tragic songs during the FA Cup match between Man United and Liverpool at Old Trafford.
Burnley earned a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford on Saturday after Zeki Amdouni’s late penalty.
Man United and Liverpool have since joined forces to raise awareness among schoolchildren about the impact of the Munich and Hillsborough disasters, with managers Erik ten Hag and Jurgen Klopp chanting for an end to the tragedy.
Football authorities and the police tried to significantly suppress the tragic chants.
Under the guidance of the Crown Prosecution Service, singing about tragedies can be considered a criminal offense under the Public Order Act 1986, which prohibits behavior in public that intentionally causes “alarm or distress”.
Mail Sport has contacted Greater Manchester Police for comment.
