Manchester United condemn mocking of Hillsborough after smirking fan pleads guilty
Manchester United have condemned mocking of the Hillsborough disaster after handing a fan an indefinite club ban.
James White pleaded guilty to displaying threatening or abusive writing likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress at Willesden Magistrates' Court in London on Monday.
The 33-year-old was smiling as he arrived at court and did so again as the verdict was handed down.
He was arrested outside Wembley Stadium during the FA Cup final between United and Manchester City on June 3.
White had worn a football shirt that had an offensive reference to the Hillsborough disaster of 1989, where 97 fans died.
Photos quickly circulated of the shirt, which had the no.97 on the back with the words 'NOT ENOUGH' written above it, on social media, drawing in widespread disgust from most fans.
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And United have since condemned the actions, and said in a statement: "Mockery of Hillsborough and other football tragedies is completely unacceptable and the club will continue to support firm action to eradicate it from the game."
Despite pleading guilty to the charges, White, of Warwickshire, initially told police that the football shirt was a reference to his grandad.
He claimed: "You haven't asked what the t-shirt means. My grandad died at age 97 and he didn't have enough kids."
But in court, district judge Mark Jabbitt told the offender: "You attended the FA cup final of Manchester United vs Manchester City on June 3, a high-profile football event.
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"And there you were, wearing a Manchester United football shirt with '97 Not Enough' written on the back.
"It's hard to imagine a more painful or offensive message to the 1989 Hillsborough disaster.
"I will suggest to you the impact is profound and distressing.
"Why you would display a carefully printed top when Manchester United was playing Manchester City, it's hard to understand."
As well as receiving an indefinite ban from United, White was handed a four-year ban from football.
He was also fined £1,000 and told to pay a victim surcharge of £400 and £85 in costs.
The FA have also since made their own statement in response, condemning the actions of the fan.
It read: "The FA strongly condemns the actions of the individual who wore a shirt referencing the Hillsborough disaster ahead of the Emirates FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.
"We saw a photograph of the offensive shirt on social media and immediately started working to identify the perpetrator.
"Our security team were able to quickly locate the individual based on the image, and we welcome the swift action which was then taken by the police.
"We will not tolerate abuse relating to Hillsborough or any football tragedy at Wembley Stadium and we will continue to work with the authorities to ensure strong action is taken against perpetrators."