Leeds United have reportedly placed a permanent ban on a supporter who mocked Liverpool fans over the Hillsborough disaster.
SI reports, that there has been a spike in Hillsborough-related chants directed toward Liverpool fans in recent weeks.
Last weekend’s fixture against Leeds United also saw away fans making vile across social media in reference to the disaster.
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The Hillsborough disaster saw the death of 97 people and 766 injuries on April 15, 1989, as a result of a human crush due to an overcrowded allocation of Liverpool fans in the away section.
One post from a fan made reference to The Sun newspaper, which reported lies on what happened during that day, according to SI.
The image showed the man standing outside a train station holding with the newspaper, as the caption read: “Victims FC.”
The post was reported and has since been removed from Twitter, with calls for Leeds United to take action against the supporter.
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According to Liverpool FC supporter Charl Hennessy, the supporter in question was prevented from entering the ground and was arrested.
They later tweeted out an email received by Leeds United Football Club in which they confirmed they had permanently banned the supporter.
The email read: “Leeds United FC takes the behaviour of our fans very seriously whether they are in attendance at matches being played at home or away.
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“As a result of our investigation, we have banned the individual you contacted us about.
“He is banned from attending any Leeds United fixtures, home and away permanently.
“Leeds United does not condone this behaviour, it does not represent our club, and so persons who behave in such a way receive sanctions.”
Hennessy thanked the club for standing with the Liverpool supporters in solidarity.
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It serves as an extension of support from the FA and the Premier League to work on educating supporters in regard to Hillsborough.
The FA released a statement, saying: “We are very concerned about the rise of abhorrent chants in stadium that are related to the Hillsborough disaster and other football-related tragedies.”
“These chants are highly offensive and are deeply upsetting for the families, friends and communities who have been impacted by these devastating events, and we strongly condemn this behaviour.
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“We support clubs and fans who try to stamp out this behaviour from our game.
“We also support the excellent work of the survivor groups who engage with stakeholders across football to help educate people about the damaging and lasting effects that these terrible chants can have.”
Featured Image Credit: shoults / Alamy. Jeff Gilbert / Alamy.Topics: Football, Premier League, Leeds United, Liverpool
