Nine men have been arrested for alleged tragedy chanting during Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Manchester City on Sunday, Merseyside Police have confirmed.
The men, aged between 19 and 57 are all from the Greater Manchester area between Cheshire and Lancashire and were detained at Anfield.
One of the suspects, a 28-year-old man, was also arrested on suspicion of assault, police said.
Six of the nine arrested have been bailed, two have been discharged for voluntary attendance and one has been charged.
The final suspect, a 19-year-old from Medlar-with-Wesham in Lancashire, has been charged with a public order offence, namely tragedy chanting, under the 1991 Football Offences Act. He will face Sefton Magistrates’ Court next month.
In March 2024, Liverpool and Manchester United announced that the club’s foundations had launched a joint programme to tackle tragedy chanting in football.
Tragedy-related abuse is an ongoing issue within the game — particularly with Liverpool and United supporters — with supporters referencing Hillsborough, the Heysel disaster, and the Munich air disaster in an attempt to taunt opposition fans.
Goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohammed Salah secured the victory for league leaders Liverpool and extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to nine points. They hold an 11-point lead over City.
Liverpool are next in action against Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Wednesday while Man City, who haven’t won a game since October 6, face Nottingham Forest at the Etihad.
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