Manchester United to escape action over anti-Liverpool chanting

Published on 17/09/2012 01:38

The English Premier League is unlikely to take action following brief anti-Liverpool chanting during Manchester United’s victory over Wigan on Saturday.

United’s 4-0 win at Old Trafford was marred by a short burst of anti-Liverpool chanting from a small minority of home fans following on from last week’s damning report on the handling of the Hillsborough disaster in 1989, in which 96 people died.

The report laid bare a shocking cover-up which attempted to shift the blame for the tragedy on to its victims, revealing that South Yorkshire Police had instructed officers to change or amend their statements relating to the tragic events.

One clearly audible chant on Saturday was “Always the victims, never your fault”, believed to be in reference to the report findings. But the song has been sung since Liverpool striker Luis Suarez was found guilty of racially abusing United defender Patrice Evra last season. United released a statement to say the club “deplore” such songs. It added: “The manager has made the club’s position very clear on this matter. It is now up to the fans to respect that.”

It is understood the Premier League deem the chants to be unacceptable but believe it is a matter for the clubs to deal with.