Crystal Palace fan banned over Hillsborough chants outside Anfield

41-year-old Stuart Rutter was arrested before a Premier League game between Liverpool and Crystal Palace

Author: Liam ArrowsmithPublished 3rd Sep 2024

A Crystal Palace fan has been fined and banned from games for three years after mocking the Hillsborough disaster outside Anfield, on the eve of the tragedy.

Stuart Rutter, 41 and from Blue Cedar Drive in the West Midlands, was arrested before Liverpool's game against Crystal Palace on 14 April this year.

He was found guilty of offences following a trial, and ordered to pay £500 by a judge, as well as being issued a three year football banning order.

Chief Inspector Iain Wyke said: “This type of behaviour has no place in football. We will take action and identify those who commit hate crime in any form, and this includes unacceptable chanting which causes distress to others.

“Merseyside Police will work to identify and bring to justice anyone found responsible for committing a hate crime.

“I hope this sends a clear message and acts as a deterrent to others that we will be put you before the courts to be prosecuted.”

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