Man Utd fan behind sick Hillsborough and Heysel gestures vs Liverpool says he's 'ashamed'
Manchester United fan Michael Avery has admitted he's ashamed after he was handed a football banning order for referencing Hillsborough and Heysel with some sick gestures
A Manchester United fan who was behind sick Hillsborough and Heysel gestures has admitted he's ashamed.
Michael Avery, 45, pleaded guilty to a public order offence after he was caught making gestures related to the two tragedies during Liverpool's FA Cup clash with United on March 17. Avery was fined £800 and given a three-year football banning order.
He had been seen on a social media making gestures that were ruled as a reference to the Hillsborough disaster - where 97 Liverpool fans lost their lives during the 1989 FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.
READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool analytics team got Fulham fans 'laughing' – but were key to win
READ MORE: Man Utd have already decided when they'll sack Erik ten Hag, says Alan Shearer
He was also seen pushing two hands, which the court was told was a reference to the Heysel disaster where 39 Juventus fans were killed during a European Cup final that also involved the Reds.
Tess Kenyon, prosecuting, 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."
She added Avery had handed himself into a police station the following day where he told officers people were "getting the wrong end of the stick". Ian Huggan, defending, said Avery was a "family man".
Avery, himself, then addressed the Manchester Magistrates' 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."
Alongside his £800 fine, Avery has been ordered to pay a £320 victim surcharge and £85 costs. He's also been ordered to hand his passport into the police station when certain games are being played outside of the UK.