Man issued with football banning order and fines for tragedy chanting

A man has been issued with a three-year football banning order and fined for mocking the Hillsborough tragedy outside Anfield Stadium earlier this year.

Stuart Rutter, 41 years, of Blue Cedar Drive in West Midlands, was found guilty after trial at South Sefton Magistrates Court yesterday, Monday 2 September, where he was issued with the three-year order, £500 compensation penalty and other fines.

The court heard that on 14 April this year, which was the eve of the 35^th anniversary of the Hillsborough Disaster, Rutter was outside the main stand of Anfield Stadium for the Liverpool v Crystal Palace game when he began chanting which caused alarm and distress to people attending the game.

Officers arrested and charged Rutter, who is a Crystal Palace fan, with Section 5 Public Order offence.

Chief Inspector Iain Wyke said: “This type of behaviour has no place in football. We will take action and identify those who commit hate crime in any form, and this includes unacceptable chanting which causes distress to others. 

“Merseyside Police will work to identify and bring to justice anyone found responsible for committing a hate crime.

“I hope this sends a clear message and acts as a deterrent to others that we will be put you before the courts to be prosecuted.”