Issue of ‘tragedy chanting’ a ‘matter of urgency’ after Elland Road chants
By Simon Peach, PA Chief Football Writer
The Premier League said it is treating the issue of “tragedy chanting” as “a matter of urgency” after joining Leeds and Manchester United in condemning the sick chants heard during Sunday’s match at Elland Road.
Erik ten Hag’s men ran out 2-0 victors in West Yorkshire as the old rivals went toe-to-toe for the second time in five days, having drawn 2-2 at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.
Elland Road was a cauldron of noise and the usual hostilities stepped over the mark shortly before the interval when small groups of rival fans traded grim chants.
We strongly condemn chanting from both sets of fans regarding historic tragedies during today’s game.#MUFC || #LEEMUN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 12, 2023
There were songs about the 1958 Munich air disaster from a section of the home end along with some plane gestures and some of the away support chanted about the death of two Leeds fans in Istanbul in 2000.
Shortly after full-time the clubs released a joint statement reading: “Both clubs strongly condemn chanting from both sets of fans regarding historic tragedies at today’s game.
“Such behaviour is completely unacceptable and we will continue to work together with our respective fan groups and the Premier League and other authorities on eradicating it from football.”
The Premier League has a working group on the issue of tragedy chanting, working alongside clubs, the Football Association, English Football League and Football Supporters’ Association to tackle the issue.
Both clubs strongly condemn chanting from both sets of fans regarding historic tragedies at today’s game.
— Leeds United (@LUFC) February 12, 2023
The PA news agency understands Manchester United are represented on the panel and are pushing for more to be done and have worked with other clubs, in particular Liverpool, to deliver campaigns to educate supporters.
The Premier League said in a statement: “The Premier League condemns the chanting heard during today’s match between Leeds United and Manchester United.
“The League is treating the issue of tragedy chanting as a priority and as a matter of urgency.”
Last Monday marked the 65th anniversary of the Munich air disaster, when 23 people – including eight players and three members of staff – died travelling back from a European Cup tie against Red Star Belgrade.
Violence on the eve of Leeds’ UEFA Cup semi-final first leg against Galatasaray led to the death of Leeds fans Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight in Istanbul on April 5th, 2000.
