Man charged over Hillsborough disaster football shirt at Wembley

33 year old James White from Warwickshire is due to appear in court later this month

The FA Cup final took place at Wembley Stadium yesterday afternoon
Author: Jonny FreemanPublished 4th Jun 2023
Last updated 4th Jun 2023

The Metropolitan Police have charged a fan after a picture showed someone wearing a Manchester United shirt referencing the Hillsborough disaster at the FA Cup final.

James White is accused of displaying threatening or abusive writing likely to cause harassment.

The 33 year old from Warwickshire's due in court later this month.

The charge comes after a picture emerged on social media from the game between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley yesterday.

97 Liverpool fans died after a crush at Hillsborough in Sheffield during an FA Cup semi-final with Nottingham Forest in April 1989.

Metropolitan Police statement

A man has been charged after being arrested during the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.

James White, 33 (22.01.90), of Warwickshire was charged on Sunday, 4 June with displaying threatening or abusive writing likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

He was bailed to appear at Willesden Magistrates' Court on Monday, 19 June.

He was arrested after being seen wearing a shirt which appeared to refer in offensive terms to those who died in the Hillsborough tragedy.

Criminal proceedings are active and the defendants has the right to a fair trial. There should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.

A further 22 people were arrested during the course of the policing operation for offences including assault, affray, possession of drugs and drunk and disorderly behaviour.

Enquiries continue in respect of an item thrown onto the pitch shortly after the Manchester United goal. There has been no arrest at this stage in relation to that matter.

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