Arsenal Implements Three-Year Bans for Tragedy Chanting Fans

In a decisive move, Arsenal Football Club has imposed three-year football banning orders on three supporters following their guilty pleas to engaging in tragedy chanting. This incident occurred during the FA Cup match against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in January. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) categorizes "tragedy-related abuse" as instances when fans vocalize, chant, or gesture offensively about catastrophic events that have impacted players or fans. This includes, but is not limited to, references to the Hillsborough disaster, Munich Air Crash, Bradford Fire, and the tragic events involving Leeds United fans in Istanbul.

In a statement released on Thursday, Arsenal expressed their firm stance against such reprehensible actions, stating, "We strongly condemn this abhorrent behaviour. We have worked closely with the police to ensure swift action was taken and we welcome the football banning orders handed out. We have a zero-tolerance approach to tragedy chanting and will always ensure strong action is taken against those found guilty of such behaviour."

The CPS has been vigilant in addressing tragedy-related abuse within football fandom, demonstrated by the recent sanctioning of a Tottenham Hotspur fan with a three-year football banning order for similar offenses during the team's clash with Liverpool last year.

Additionally, Greater Manchester Police recently charged Michael Bernard Avery, 44, under Section 4a of the Public Order Act 1986, which pertains to tragedy chanting, following video evidence of inappropriate behavior in the Old Trafford crowd during Manchester United's FA Cup victory over Liverpool. Avery has been bailed as investigations continue, including further scrutiny of alleged tragedy chants from the Liverpool section during the same fixture.

The actions taken by Arsenal and the ongoing efforts by law enforcement highlight the football community's commitment to eradicating tragedy-related abuse from the sport. These measures serve as a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated, reinforcing the importance of respect and compassion within the football community.

(First reported by: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)