Two men have been charged after a banner with the word “murderers” was hung on a motorway bridge before the Europa League last-16 second leg between Liverpool and Manchester United.
The banner was displayed above the M602 in Salford, a couple of miles from Old Trafford, on a route used by many Merseyside-based fans heading to the match in March. Police removed the sign, which also bore the date of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, after receiving complaints.
A 24-year-old from Oldham and a 20-year-old from Manchester have been charged with a public order offence, and are due to appear before Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on 25 April.
Greater Manchester Police are also appealing for the public’s help to identify nine men they wish to speak to in connection with violence which broke out at the match in the East Stand.
Detective Sergeant Stephen Warriner said: “A young child was hurt as a result of these mindless thugs, who paid absolutely no regard to the safety of those around them. A number of arrests have already been carried out, but now we need the public’s help to ensure those people capable of carrying out such violence are no longer welcome at our football grounds.”
— G M Police (@gmpolice) April 7, 2016
Police wish to speak to nine men in connection with fighting at Europa League match. https://t.co/NaCJ1KcUYv pic.twitter.com/PKTeAzjQmI
During the first leg at Anfield a number of offensive chants in reference to the Hillsborough disaster were sung by some fans in the away end. Manchester United condemned the chants but Uefa took no disciplinary action.
United said in a subsequent statement: “It has always been the position of Manchester United that chants of this nature, which refer to historical tragedies, have no place in the game and do not reflect the values the club holds. We are in discussion with our fans’ groups to seek their support in preventing this type of behaviour in the future.”