…By Alan Peterson for TDPel Media.
A man, identified as James White, 33, from Warwickshire, has been charged by Scotland Yard after being spotted wearing a football shirt at Wembley Stadium that appeared to make an offensive reference to the Hillsborough disaster.
The Metropolitan Police Events Twitter account shared a retweeted picture on Saturday, showcasing the man wearing a Manchester United shirt with the number 97 on the back and the words “Not Enough.”
This incident occurred during the FA Cup final, where Manchester City secured a 2-1 victory over local rivals Manchester United.
James White Arrested: Shirt Displaying Offensive Reference to Hillsborough Tragedy
According to the Metropolitan Police, James White was arrested for displaying threatening or abusive writing likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress, as his shirt seemed to refer to those who lost their lives in the Hillsborough tragedy.
He has been bailed and is set to appear at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on June 19.
Additional Arrests Made: Police Continue Investigations into Offenses at Wembley
During the policing operation, apart from James White’s arrest, the police apprehended 22 more individuals for various offenses, including assault, affray, drug possession, and drunk and disorderly behavior.
Authorities are currently investigating an item that was thrown onto the pitch shortly after Manchester United’s goal, with no arrests made yet concerning that particular incident.
FA Condemns Offensive Shirt: Swift Action Taken by Security and Police
The Football Association (FA) released a statement on Sunday, strongly condemning the individual who wore the shirt referencing the Hillsborough disaster at the Emirates FA Cup final.
The FA expressed their swift response to the offensive shirt after seeing it on social media and quickly identifying the perpetrator with the help of their security team.
They emphasized a zero-tolerance approach to abuse related to Hillsborough or any football tragedy at Wembley Stadium.
The FA pledged to collaborate with authorities to ensure appropriate action is taken against those responsible.
Hillsborough Tragedy Remembrance: 97 Lives Lost in 1989 Crush
The Hillsborough disaster occurred on April 15, 1989, during a match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield.
Tragically, 97 football fans lost their lives as a result of a crush.
In 2016, an inquest jury ruled that they were unlawfully killed due to a series of police errors.
The recent incident at Wembley has reignited discussions surrounding the sensitivity and respect owed to the memory of the Hillsborough victims.