A man has been fined and issued with a three-year football banning order for mocking the Hillsborough tragedy during a match at Anfield earlier this year.
Kieron Darlow, 25 years, of Node Way Gardens in Welwyn, appeared at Sefton Magistrates Court today, Tuesday 13 June, where he was issued with the three-year order, a 12-month community order, £200 compensation penalty and other fines.
At an earlier hearing the court heard that on 30 April, Spurs fan Darlow, attended the Liverpool versus Tottenham Hotspur game in the Lower Anfield Road stand where he made gestures mocking the Hillsborough tragedy. This caused alarm and distress to people attending the game.
His actions were reported to police at the game and Darlow was identified, arrested, and charged with intentionally causing harassment, alarm or distress.
On 17 May Darlow pleaded guilty at Sefton Magistrates Court.
Assistant Chief Constable Paul White said, “This type of behaviour has no place in football. We will take action and identify those who commit hate crime in any form, and this includes unacceptable chanting which causes distress to others.
“Merseyside Police will work to identify and bring to justice anyone found responsible for committing a hate crime.
“I hope this sends a clear message and acts as a deterrent to others that we will be put you before the courts to be prosecuted.”
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