A Manchester United supporter was apprehended at Wembley after being observed wearing a deeply offensive shirt that mocked the Hillsborough disaster.
The individual, whose identity remains undisclosed, was captured in a social media photograph wearing a United away kit adorned with the number 97 on the back, accompanied by the phrase “not enough.”
The number 97 serves as a disturbing reference to the tragic loss of Liverpool fans during the Hillsborough disaster at Sheffield Wednesday’s stadium in 1989.
Questions have arisen concerning how the shirt came to be printed with such offensive content.
Following the circulation of the photograph, the Metropolitan Police confirmed that they had collaborated with officials at Wembley Stadium to identify and apprehend the individual.
In a Twitter statement, the police stated:
“We are aware of this and have worked proactively with officials at @wembleystadium to identify the individual. He has been arrested on suspicion of a public order offence and taken into custody.”
The Hillsborough Survivors Support Alliance expressed gratitude to the Football Association (FA), the Metropolitan Police, and Wembley’s security staff for their prompt action in addressing the situation.
They also hoped that the arrest would serve as a deterrent to others contemplating similar acts, stating, “Let this be a warning to anyone else thinking of doing anything similar. And that goes for using any tragedy.”
Emphasizing the need for decisive measures, the alliance urged that the justice system swiftly address this act of hatred.
They extended appreciation to genuine Manchester United supporters and fans from other clubs who expressed support.
The FA has previously called for an end to what is known as “tragedy chanting,” condemning offensive songs related to Hillsborough, the Heysel stadium disaster, and the Munich air crash.