FA issues statement on tragedy chanting during Man Utd's FA Cup quarter-final win over Liverpool

Manchester United knocked fierce rivals Liverpool out of the FA Cup on Sunday with a 4-3 victory at Old Trafford after extra-time. However, the win was marred by reports of alleged tragedy chanting from supporters in reference to the Hillsbrough disaster, according to The Athletic.

A statement read: "We are aware of the reported tragedy chanting during today’s FA Cup fixture between Manchester United and Liverpool, and we will be liaising with and supporting Greater Manchester Police. 

"We strongly condemn any offensive, abusive and discriminatory chants in football stadiums, and we are determined to stamp this behaviour out. It is entirely unacceptable and can have a lasting and damaging impact on people and communities within our game. It must stop, and we support any club and their fans who try to eradicate this from the terraces.”

The Greater Manchester Police have already made an arrest in relation to the incident at Old Trafford, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.

A statement read: "GMP can confirm that an arrest has been made in connection with tragedy chanting at the Manchester United v Liverpool fixture this afternoon (Sunday 17 March).

“Incidents of tragedy chanting will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robustly. We are all familiar with fans taunting their opponents at football matches, but this is generally done in good humour and without offence. The incidents today crossed the line of what is acceptable, and we will work closely with both clubs to identify anyone responsible for committing offences during the event.”

The Football Association will now work alongside the Greater Manchester Police in response to the events that took place at Old Trafford. The win for Manchester United saw the Red Devils book their place in the semi-finals of the competition and a semi-final tie with Coventry City at Wembley.