Manchester United has spoken out to condemn fans for “offensive” chants about the Hillsborough disaster at Anfield.
The two North West rivals faced each other in a Premier League clash at Liverpool’s home ground Anfield on Tuesday evening, and while many headlines were initially grabbed by the emotional seventh-minute tribute by both sets of fans for Cristiano Ronaldo’s newborn son, who tragically passed away, the Manchester club has now had to release a statement addressing supporters’ actions later in the game.
During the match, some Manchester United fans said to have been observed chanting songs aimed at the Hillsborough tragedy, to which the club has deemed “completely unacceptable”.
A statement released by the club addressing the situation reads: “Manchester United stands in solidarity with Liverpool and its fans in remembering the victims of the Hillsborough disaster [and] offensive chants about the tragedy are completely unacceptable.
“We will work with our supporters’ groups to educate fans on the issue.”
97 Liverpool fans tragically lost their lives on 15 April 1989 during a crush at Hillsborough Stadium / Credit: Liverpool FC
The statement released by Manchester United followed what was the 33rd anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster – which saw 97 Liverpool fans lose their lives on 15 April 1989 as a result of a crush on the Leppings Lane terrace during an FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest, at the Sheffield stadium.
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The Hillsborough disaster is known as one of the worst sporting disasters in UK history, and an inquest later ruled that the supporters were unlawfully killed.
Manchester United’s condemning of offensive chants aimed at the Hillsborough disaster come after cross-city rivals Manchester City also had to issue an apology last Saturday after a small section of its fans disturbed a minute’s silence marking the 33rd anniversary of the tragic event during their FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool at Wembley.
“Manchester City are extremely disappointed with the actions of some City supporters during the minute’s silence before today’s game,” a statement by the club read.
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“The club sincerely apologises to all those connected with Liverpool Football Club.”
We stand with @LFC in remembering the 97 victims of the Hillsborough disaster, 33 years on from that fateful day.
Sending our thoughts and sympathy to the @LFC football family and all those affected on the anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster 💙 https://t.co/N0cGeriW2s
Apologies made by both Manchester clubs also come after Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, and Liverpool City Mayor Steve Rotheram, wrote a letter to MPs last week urging them to back the proposed ‘Hillsborough Law’ on the eve of the disaster’s anniversary.
The pair first joined forces at the start of 2022 to back the law that calls for a “fundamental reform” and seeks to support the families of the 97 Liverpool fans who lost their lives, but last week renewed their calls for fairer treatment for those bereaved, and called for changes to the justice system to prevent others going through the same “unnecessary trauma” endured by Hillsborough families.
Salford RLFC issue statement as head coach Mike Grady departs after less than three months
Danny Jones
Salford Rugby League Football Club have issued an official statement following the departure of head coach Mike Grady, who has left the role after less than three months in the job.
It has been insisted that this is not a sacking, but rather a joint decision to terminate his contract.
Grady, who took up the mantle at the start of this project following the end of the Salford Red Devils era, was only appointed on 5 January.
He had previously been in charge of the Red Devils’ women’s side over the past couple of years, but moved over to hopefully lead this new era forward.
As you can see, the club confirmed in a statement that they and Grady have “mutually agreed to part ways due to changes in his personal circumstances.”
They go on to write: “We are forever indebted to Mike for his unwavering commitment to the club. We want to thank him for all his hard work since taking on the role as Head Coach in very challenging circumstances in December.”
Also sharing a comment from former player turned CEO, Ryan Brierley, he said: “Mike came in as Coach at a time when the club had just come through one of its toughest times with the double impact of relegation and liquidation.
“He was willing to roll up his sleeves and bring stability to the club on the pitch. The fact we were able to field a team against Oldham in January, after only three weeks, speaks volumes about his commitment and determination. To beat Hunslet at home only four weeks later was a fantastic achievement.
“Mike will always be remembered as the person [who] strived and achieved the objective of sending out the first Salford team of this new era. A team running onto the pitch, after so much hard work, gave us all something to cheer about. We also remember how well he successfully guided our women’s team to third and fourth place finishes in the Championship.”
Sharing his own farewell message, he went on to add: “I want to thank Ryan for the opportunity to represent this great club and fan base. What we created at the start of the year was pretty special, and I’m proud to have built that.
“I’m happy to leave the club in a better place than I found it and wish the club all the best for the future.” Salford RLFC have already assured that they are now recruiting for his replacement.
Price caps and standardisations to be introduced for vet care in UK following major investigation
Emily Sergeant
Reforms to the veterinary industry to help pet owners better navigate the vet services market are set to be introduced this year.
After an independent inquiry group recently found that the current system is leaving pet owners ‘in the dark’, with a lack of information to help make informed decisions leading to weak competition and high prices, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has this week concluded its investigation into veterinary services for household pets in the UK.
The final report green-lights a package of measures to make the market more competitive, easier to navigate, and more responsive to pet owners’ needs.
It outlines the final remedies and recommendations, which together, will transform the market.
Remedies and recommendations in the report range from price caps and standardisations, through to upfront cost transparency.
We’ve set out major reforms to the UK’s veterinary sector now our market investigation is complete.
Our reforms will help pet owners better navigate the vet services market and will start coming into force later this year.
— Competition & Markets Authority (@CMAgovUK) March 24, 2026
Practices will soon be required to publish a comprehensive price list for standard services – including consultations, common procedures, diagnostics, written prescriptions and cremation options – so pet owners know up-front how much certain services are expected to cost.
They’ll also have to make it clear whether they are part of a group or an independent business, and provide a written estimate in advance for any treatment expected to cost £500 or more (including aftercare costs), plus an itemised bill.
Written prescription fees are set to be capped at £21 for the first medicine, and then £12.50 for any additional medicines.
Price caps and standardisations are set to be introduced for vet care in UK / Credit: Pxhere
There’s also set to be changes to the complaints process, as practices will now be required to follow a transparent, accessible, in-house complaints process, and engage in mediation where disputes cannot be resolved.
The CMA says an ‘unprecedented’ response from both the public and the sector has helped to shape the final report.
The next step is for the Government to respond to the report formally – with Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Emma Reynolds, commenting: “We are grateful for all the work of the Competition and Markets Authority, and we will respond to the report and set out next steps for our proposed reforms in due course.
“This Government is focused on helping families save money on vet services by improving transparency and choice around pricing, so the public can make informed decisions about their pets’ care.”
Emily Sergeant -
21st April 2022 
