A Manchester United fan who wore a shirt mocking the Hillsborough disaster has been banned from attending games for four years and from attending the club “indefinitely”.
The so-called fan, 33-year-old James White of Warwickshire — who has many previous convictions — was arrested on 3 June during the Manchester derby FA Cup final after he was reported for wearing a Man United shirt with the words ’97 Not Enough’ on the back in reference to the horrific tragedy.
Appearing at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Monday on charges of displaying threatening or abusive writing likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress, the man was hit with a four-year ban from all regulated football matches, fined £1,000 plus total surcharges of £485, and has also been banned from all United games for the foreseeable future.
He is also reported to have been smiling before, during and after the sentence, with Kevin Christie of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) London North stating that he “showed no sympathy towards [the 97 victims and their families], nor did he care about the impact of his actions”.
James White, 33, from Warwickshire, has pleaded guilty to displaying threatening or abusive writing likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress after turning up to the FA Cup Final in a shirt saying "Not Enough 97" pic.twitter.com/tQnLy5aOIy
So-called United fan, White, has shared numerous messages mocking the Hillsborough tragedy online in the past.
James White, the man who wore an offensive shirt printed with 'Not Enough 97’ has been banned from football matches for 4 years & ordered to pay £1485.
A judge referred to the message, a reference to the victims of the Hillsborough disaster, as 'vile'.
Despite pleading guilty and his defence claiming that White “deeply regrets” his actions and accepts that he “hurt people very deeply”, he was said to be laughing in the stands during proceedings and during his arrest told police, “You haven’t even asked me what the T-shirt means: my grandad died aged 97 and didn’t have enough kids.”
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As district judge Mark Jabbitt told the court: “It is hard to imagine a more… offensive reference to the 1989 Hillsborough disaster“, describing the custom-printed shirt, its “hateful expression” and the impact it has on the families of the victims as “profound and distressing”.
Vice-chair of the Hillsborough Survivor Supporters Alliance, Diane Lynn, issued a statement saying “How dare he make us feel like this”, with the group also expressing their gratitude to the Football Association, Metropolitan Police and Wembley staff for their swift action on the matter.
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As for the likes of the FA and Manchester United themselves, both issued statements once again condemning such behaviour, with the Red Devils insisting that the “mockery of Hillsborough and other football tragedies is completely unacceptable and the club will continue to support firm action to eradicate it from the game.”
Delays on M60 continue after man dies falling from bridge near Trafford Centre
Daisy Jackson
A man has tragically died after falling from a bridge on the M60, near the Trafford Centre.
Police closed the motorway in both directions at around 10am this morning as they responded to the concern for welfare.
The man was on Barton Bridge on the M60, but tragically fell and passed away at the scene.
The motorway was shut anti-clockwise between junction 12 for the M602 and junction 10, and on the clockwise carriageway between junction 9 and 11, with a huge diversion in place.
Although the motorway has reopened as the afternoon has worn on, disruption is ‘likely’ to continue for several hours yet.
National Highways is reporting up to two miles of congestion on the M60 around Barton Bridge.
In a statement released earlier today, a GMP spokesperson said: “Officers are currently responding to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60, reported at around 9:40am today (Tuesday 31 March).
“The M60 remains closed in both directions while emergency services are in attendance. Significant delays are expected and drivers are advised to avoid the area where possible.”
GMP later added: “Earlier today, officers responded to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60. The man sadly fell from the bridge and passed away at the scene.
“The road remains closed while enquiries continue. Please avoid the area and plan alternative routes where possible as disruption is likely to continue for the rest of the day.”
Molly-Mae Hague and adidas drop new collection inspired by matcha and iced lattes
Daisy Jackson
Today, adidas has finally released its hotly-anticipated parnership with Manchester-based influencer Molly-Mae Hague.
The social media superstar has collaborated with the sportswear giant for a limited-edition footwear collection inspired by matchas and iced lattes.
Molly-Mae and adidas Originals have just given fans a look at the shoes for the first time.
The star has curated a limited-edition collection of iconic Originals silhouettes – a Samba and a Superstar.
The first is the Samba Matcha shoes, a premium leather and suede shoe in a soft green colour, with double pink and white laces.
The other is a Superstar II Latte, which again features double laces in coffee-coloured hues, but in the iconic leather Superstar silhouette.
In behind-the-scenes footage of the design process on Molly-Mae’s Amazon Prime documentary series, Behind It All, she described them as ‘matcha cool girl in London’ shoes – and the vision has definitely come to life.
Molly-Mae said: “Seeing my creative vision come to life on two iconic adidas Originals silhouettes that have long been staples in my wardrobe is a true dream.
“Being so closely involved in the design process and creating products that feel fun, timeless, and an authentic extension of my own personal style has been the best experience.
“I am so excited to see how others style them in their own way.”
Steve Marks, VP Brand adidas UK commented: “At adidas, we partner with individuals who define style through authenticity and a deep-rooted connection to our brand.
“Molly-Mae’s relationship with adidas Originals has developed organically over time as a key advocate of the brand and this partnership represents a natural evolution – bringing her signature aesthetic to two of our most iconic silhouettes.”
The limited-edition adidas Originals x Molly-Mae collection drops in stores and online on 9 April, priced at £100 per pair.
Danny Jones -
20th June 2023 
