FA ‘very concerned’ about rise in number of Hillsborough chants

The FA have released a statement voicing their 'concern'

The Football Association have issued a statement expressing their "concern" at the rising number of offensive chants about the Hillsborough disaster. Manchester City fans were the most recent sets of supporters heard singing about the tragedy, in which 97 Liverpool fans sadly lost their lives. Labour MP Ian Byrne wrote to the Premier League last month, calling for action to be taken over the "incessant" chants that are being heard at Liverpool games. Although the FA is only allowed to take action on discriminatory chanting, the governing body released a statement "strongly condemning" the incidents. "We are very concerned about the rise of abhorrent chants in stadiums that are related to the Hillsborough disaster and other football-related tragedies," they said on Wednesday. "These chants are highly offensive and are deeply upsetting for the families, friends and communities who have been impacted by these devastating events, and we strongly condemn this behaviour. We support clubs and fans who try to stamp out this behaviour from our game. https://twitter.com/IanByrneMP/status/1587836880757964800 "We also support the excellent work of the survivor groups who engage with stakeholders across football to help educate people about the damaging and lasting effects that these terrible chants can have." 97 Liverpool fans were unlawfully killed as a result of the failings of the emergency services during the FA Cup semi-final game against Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough in 1989. Man City have informed the Hillsborough Survivors Support Alliance after issuing a private apology that they would speak to their fans about the discriminatory chants ahead of their return fixture against Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium in April. Related links:

• Man City privately apologise to Hillsborough Survivors group after fans mocked 1989 disaster
• Three Hillsborough survivors have taken their lives since 2022 Champions League Final
• Martin Tyler criticised for calling Hillsborough a ‘hooligan related issue’