MAN UTD AND LIVERPOOL JOIN FORCES TO BRING END TO 'UNACCEPTABLE' TRAGEDY CHANTING
Arch rivals Manchester United and Liverpool have joined forces to bring an end to tragedy chanting at their matches.
The foundations of both clubs have come together to deliver an education programme on the impact of tragedy chanting ahead of their upcoming Premier League meeting.
Ahead of the Old Trafford showdown on April 7, children from Manchester and Liverpool came together to learn about the tragic histories of England's most successful two clubs.
Former United defender Wes Brown and ex-Liverpool skipper Phil Thompson – who won 12 league titles and five European Cups between them – were involved first-hand in the initiative.
The pair spoke with students about the effect the Munich and Hillsborough disasters had on the two clubs, their supporters and the cities, to give them a greater understanding of their impact.
The United and Liverpool foundations have developed the programme in partnership with the Premier League, which has taken a hard line against tragedy chanting by fans.
United and Liverpool have been at the forefront of the drive to end tragedy chanting, with managers Erik ten Hag and Jurgen Klopp issuing a joint statement last season calling for an end to it.
As well as the educational programme, both clubs are committed to taking the strongest possible action against those found to have committed tragedy-related abuse,in stadiums and online.
Club bans have been imposed on several fans following United's epic 4-3 FA Cup quarter-final win over Liverpool at Old Trafford, while tragedy chanting is also liable to criminal prosecution.
John Shiels, CEO of Manchester United Foundation, said: “It's unacceptable to use the loss of life, in relation to any tragedy, to score points and it's time for it to stop.
“We are proud to come together with the 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 the LFC Foundation, said: “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 to do our bit to help.”
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2024-03-27T19:38:06Z dg43tfdfdgfd