Two Manchester United fans were arrested after Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final match against Liverpool at Old Trafford for alleged tragic chants related to the Hillsborough disaster.
United won 4-3, scoring in the final minute of added time in extra time to seal the victory after a tense match.
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Last June, Premier League teams met to agree new measures to address the rise in tragedy-related chants at matches, the main aim of which was criminal prosecution of offenders.
Chief Inspector James Collins, who was part of the police team responsible for the match, said: “I would like to thank the vast majority of fans who came out to enjoy what turned out to be an intense match right up to the last minute.
“The arrests made were a result of us taking a proactive, zero-tolerance approach to ensure genuine fans and spectators could enjoy the match safely.
“GMP can confirm that a 21-year-old man and a 59-year-old man were arrested in connection with tragic chanting. Incidents involving tragic chanting will not be tolerated and will be dealt with firmly.”
The arrests follow Football Association Statement Since Sunday we have been singing condemning the tragedy.
“We are aware of the tragedy reported singing during [Sunday’s] FA Cup match between Manchester United and Liverpool, and we will be in contact and support Greater Manchester Police,” the statement said.
“We strongly condemn any offensive, abusive and discriminatory chanting in football stadiums, and we are determined to eradicate this behaviour.
“It is totally unacceptable and can have a lasting and detrimental impact on the people and communities within our game. It must stop, and we support any club and its fans who try to eradicate it from the stands.”
