Man who ‘wore vile shirt mocking Hillsborough disaster at FA Cup final’ charged

A guy was detained by police at the FA Cup final on Saturday after wearing a jersey that appeared to mimic the Hillsborough disaster.

Police accused James White, 33, of Warwickshire, of exhibiting threatening or abusive writing likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress.

He was released on bail and ordered to appear in Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Monday, June 19. He could face up to six months in prison and an infinite fine if proven guilty.

It comes after a widely circulated image on social media of a man wearing a white football shirt with the number 97 on the back and the phrase ‘Not Enough’ appearing where a player’s name is typically imprinted.

This was extensively attacked online because it appeared to insult the 97 football fans who died in the Hillsborough catastrophe as a result of a crush.

On Sunday afternoon, the Metropolitan Police confirmed White as one of 22 people arrested during the policing operation related to the FA Cup final.

These arrests were committed for offenses such as assault, affray, drug possession, and drunk and disorderly conduct.

According to a police spokeswoman, investigations into claims of an item being thrown into the pitch shortly after Manchester United scored in the match are ongoing.

There have been no arrests in connection with the item-throwing incident.

In response to the picture of the football shirt, the Met Police tweeted yesterday, ‘We are aware of this and have worked proactively with officials at Wembley Stadium to locate the individual.’

‘The FA strongly condemns the acts of the individual who wore a jersey commemorating the Hillsborough incident ahead of the Emirates FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium,’ the FA stated in a statement on Sunday.

‘When we spotted a photo of the insulting garment on social media, we immediately began working to find the perpetrator.

‘Our security staff was able to immediately find the individual based on the image, and we appreciate the prompt action taken by the authorities.

‘We will not allow abuse related to Hillsborough or any football disaster at Wembley Stadium, and we will continue to work with authorities to ensure that severe action is taken against perpetrators,’ said the statement.

On April 15, 1989, 97 football supporters were killed in a crash at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield during a match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.

An inquest jury decided in 2016 that they were unlawfully killed as a result of a series of police blunders.

According to the Metropolitan Police, criminal processes are ongoing, and the offender is entitled to a fair trial.

‘There should be no internet reporting, discussion, or information sharing that could in any way prejudice these procedures,’ the police stated.

White is said to be a Manchester United fan.

Manchester United were defeated 2-1 by Manchester City in the Manchester Derby on Sunday.