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7 months ago
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A Manchester United fan who mimicked the Hillsborough Disaster in front of Liverpool supporters following an FA Cup quarter-final has been banned from football for three years.
Michael Bernard Avery, 44, was captured on film making the sick gesture after United’s dramatic 4-3 victory at Old Trafford. In footage that was widely circulated on social media, he held his hand against his face and pushed out both arms, mimicking the 1989 crush that killed 97 Liverpool supporters ahead of their FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.
Police launched an investigation and Avery subsequently pleaded guilty to a public order offence at Salford Magistrates Court today after handing himself in at a station. He was slapped with a three-year banning order and fines totalling £1,205.
‘I just want to reiterate that I'm just deeply sorry and I really regret what I did,’ Avery, who works in the construction industry, told the court.
'‘I'm ashamed and embarrassed. Everyone that knows me has obviously felt this as well.’
The Manchester United fan who made sick 'fence' and 'push' gestures mocking the Hillsborough Disaster has been banned from football for three years
The man - Michael Bernard Avery, 44, from Manchester - says he regrets his actions
Avery, described as ‘a family man’, sat with his head down when the video of him performing the gestures in front of the away support was played twice.
He added: ‘It's just a difficult situation. I wish it never would have happened. I regret it terribly. I hope other people look on what's happened to me and think twice before they do anything at football games.’
Greater Manchester Police’s specialist operational football investigation led the probe after the March fixture.
Chief Inspector Jamie Collins said: 'Following the understandable concern raised online following the video being shared of Avery’s actions, we undertook an investigation into this to ensure justice was brought.
The FA issued a statement at the time condemning tragedy chanting during the FA Cup clash
The tragedy chants were alleged to include labelling Liverpool supporters as 'always the victims it's never your fault' - a song that refers back to the Hillsborough Disaster in 1989
‘We are continuing to take a proactive action against those engaged in this type of behaviour, that is intent on causing distress to victims and supporters impacted by terrible football tragedies of the past.
'Any kind of gesture or comments in relation to tragedy chanting will not be tolerated and is totally unacceptable.’
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