On Saturday, a man named James White, aged 33, was apprehended by the police during the FA Cup final. This was due to his attire, which resembled the Hillsborough disaster.
James White, a 33-year-old resident of Warwickshire, has been accused by the police of displaying written material that is deemed threatening or abusive and could potentially cause harassment, alarm, or distress.
According to reports, he has been released on bail and is scheduled to appear in Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Monday, June 19. If found guilty, he could potentially be sentenced to six months in prison and an unlimited fine.
A man wearing a white football shirt with the number 97 on the back and the phrase ‘Not Enough’ in place of a player’s name has been widely shared on social media.
The online community widely criticized the incident as it seemed to ridicule the 97 football fans who tragically lost their lives in the Hillsborough disaster due to a crush.
On Sunday afternoon, the Metropolitan Police disclosed the identity of White while announcing that an additional 22 individuals were apprehended in connection with the FA Cup final security operation.
Arrests have been made for various offences, such as assault, affray, drug possession, and disorderly conduct under the influence.
According to a police spokesperson, investigations are ongoing regarding the alleged incident of an object being thrown onto the pitch shortly after Manchester United scored during the match. As of now, there have been no arrests made in connection to the incident involving the throwing of an item.
A 33-year-old man has been charged with “wearing a nasty shirt imitating Hillsborough disaster at FA Cup final.”
According to a tweet by the Met Police yesterday, they have collaborated with officials at Wembley Stadium to identify the individual in the picture of the football shirt. In a statement released on Sunday, the FA expressed strong condemnation towards an individual who wore a shirt referencing the Hillsborough disaster ahead of the Emirates FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.
Upon viewing a photograph of an offensive shirt on social media, efforts were promptly initiated to identify the individual responsible. According to the report, the security team successfully identified the individual using the provided image.
The police were promptly notified and took immediate action, which was appreciated by the team. In a statement, the Wembley Stadium officials have made it clear that they will not tolerate any form of abuse related to football disasters, including Hillsborough.
The officials have also pledged to work closely with the authorities to ensure that those responsible for such behavior are brought to justice.
Ninety-seven football supporters lost their lives on April 15, 1989, in a tragic incident that occurred at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield. The incident took place during a match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.
In 2016, an inquest jury concluded that a series of police blunders resulted in the unlawful killing of the individuals in question. As per the Metropolitan Police, criminal proceedings are currently underway and the perpetrator is entitled to a fair trial.
The police force has issued a statement, stating that any reporting, discussion, or sharing of material that could potentially compromise their procedures should not be done on the internet.
According to sources, White is reportedly a supporter of Manchester United. In Sunday’s Manchester Derby, Manchester United suffered a 2-1 loss to Manchester City.