A Liverpool fan has received a ban from attending games for tragedy chanting.
Nicholas Harpur was charged with a Section 5 public order offence last month after the incident during his team’s game at Leeds United on Saturday, December 6.
The 23-year-old from Sefton was heard to have made taunts about the deaths of Chris Loftus and Kevin Speight, two Leeds fans stabbed in Istanbul in April 2000.
West Yorkshire Police said its officers had observed Harpur airing the slurs while in the away fan coach park at Elland Road following the Premier League fixture there.
He pleaded guilty to the public order offence at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on Monday (January 5) and was duly sentenced with a football banning order.
The three-year restriction prevents him attending all organised games across England and Wales or being in close proximity to any stadiums on match days.
In addition to the order, Harpur was ordered to pay an £800 fine along with a £320 surcharge and £85 in additional costs.
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.”