Police make arrest as FA condemn tragedy chanting at Old Trafford

The police have made an arrest in connection to tragedy chanting heard during Liverpool's 4-3 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday. 

Man Utd supporters were heard chanting "always the victims" and "murderers" around Old Trafford during the FA Cup quarter-final, with the Greater Manchester Police having now made an arrest.

A spokesperson for the Greater Manchester Police said: "GMP can confirm that an arrest has been made in connection with tragedy chanting at the Manchester United v Liverpool fixture this afternoon (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 English Football Association strongly condemned such chants and are now liaising with the police over the events that unfolded at Old Trafford.

An FA 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."

Man Utd fans were also heard chanting "sign on" at Liverpool supporters, with their actions once again marring the on-field rivalry between the two clubs.

Red Devils supporters were also arrested for tragedy chanting during the goalless draw at Anfield earlier in the season, while a Man Utd fan, James White, was also arrested last year for wearing a shirt that said '97 Not Enough' on the back.