Fan charged over tragedy chanting during Manchester United vs Burnley match
A man from Lancashire has been charged for tragedy chanting during the game between Manchester United and Burnley at Old Trafford this weekend.
Nathan Rawlinson from the town of Bacup in the Rossendale Borough was charged with Section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986 and has since been bailed after being detained.
The 44-year-old was arrested by Greater Manchester Police’s Specialist Operational Football investigation team after he was reported tragedy chanting in the away section of Old Trafford on Saturday, 27 April.
Videos of the Burnley fan which have since been largely removed began circulating online not long after the full-time whistle of the 1-1 draw, with various accounts urging GMP and fans to help identify him.
Issuing a statement following the incident, authorities said: “As we have enforced recently, continued incidents of tragedy chanting by anyone will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robustly.
“We understand the interest this case will have generated but it is imperative that the suspect has a fair trial so members of the public must refrain from engaging in conversations online, at least until proceedings have concluded. Previously circulated videos should be removed.”
As for Burnley FC themselves, the club issued a swift response, stating: “We are aware of offensive footage currently circulating on social media from the away end of today’s fixture at Old Trafford.
“Tragedy-related gesturing and chanting is completely unacceptable, and Burnley Football Club take a zero-tolerance approach. We will continue to work with Greater Manchester Police, Lancashire Police and Manchester United to help identify and prosecute the individuals responsible.”
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Sadly, despite urges from clubs like Man United and Liverpool, tragedy chanting continues to be a prevailing problem up and down the country and there have been numerous instances in 2024 already.
A dedicated Premier League was set up in 2023 to try and curb the behaviour, working with supporter groups, local police forces and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
New and harsher measures have been put in place this season to crack down on the behaviour and people found guilty of offences can face stadium bans, criminal prosecution and even jail time.
It has no place in football, simple as.
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