Liverpool fan given football ban for tragedy chant

A Liverpool supporter has been banned from attending football matches for three years after he was heard chanting about the death of two Leeds United fans at a game.

Nicholas Harpur, 23, of Sefton, Merseyside, was heard tragedy chanting by police officers after Liverpool played Leeds at Elland Road on 6 December.

West Yorkshire Police said officers at the away fan coach park heard him making reference to Chris Loftus and Kevin Speight, who were stabbed in Istanbul on the eve of Leeds' Uefa Cup semi-final tie against Galatasaray in April 2000.

Harper appeared admitted a public order offence at Leeds Magistrates' Court on Monday and was given the football banning order.

He was also fined £800 along with a £320 surcharge and £85 in additional costs.

Four men were jailed over the deaths of Loftus and Speight, who had travelled to the Turkish capital to follow their club.

They were attacked with machetes when a row broke out between rival fans.

Chief Inspector Pete Hall said: "We know that the vast majority of fans don't want to see this type of behaviour which is highly offensive and can cause genuine distress to those affected by the incidents that these tragedy chants refer to.

"Directing chants, comments or gestures such as this at rival fans has no place in football.

"We will continue to work closely with Leeds United and visiting clubs to ensure that any offences are investigated and banning orders sought where appropriate."

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