Manchester United and Liverpool have joined forces in a bid to combat a recent rise in tragedy chanting.
Both clubs, as well as local police forces, have urged fans of all teams to end taunts related to catastrophic events like the Munich Air Disaster or the Hillsborough Stadium disaster – two tragedies which impact United and Liverpool directly.
Arrests were made following reports of tragedy chants during Man Utd’s 4-3 win over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final earlier this month, and with the two sides set to meet again in the Premier League in early April, both clubs have come together to try and put an end to tragedy chanting.
The Manchester United Foundation and the LFC Foundation recently held a session with schoolchildren from Manchester and Liverpool to inform them of the severity of the tragedies and the impact they have had on the wider community.
There are plans to work with the Premier League to make this an annual event to support tens of thousands of young people.
John Shiels, CEO of Manchester United Foundation, said: “It is unacceptable to use the loss of life, in relation to any tragedy, to score points, and it is time for it to stop.
“We are proud to come together with LFC Foundation as we believe education will break the generational cycle on this issue and help thousands of young people across this region understand the impact tragedy-related abuse has.”
Matt Parish, CEO of LFC Foundation, added: “This is a hugely important event which both clubs are committed to making happen every year.
“Our two proud Foundations coming together to show young people, and all others, how we stand united against tragedy chanting is a very powerful message. Education is key, alongside appropriate action, to eradicating vile tragedy chanting in all its forms forever, and we’re delighted to be able do our bit to help.”
