Fan tells court he is ashamed of tragedy chanting

Michael Avery was caught making gestures on social media

A Manchester United fan who admitted "tragedy chanting" has told a court he is "deeply sorry" and "ashamed" and hopes other supporters "think twice".

Michael Avery, 45, pleaded guilty to a public order offence after he was caught making gestures related to the Hillsborough and Heysel stadium disasters to Liverpool fans at the FA Cup quarter-final.

Avery was fined £800 and given a three-year football banning order.

Magistrates also told Avery, of Cranham Road, Manchester, he would have to surrender his passport when certain games were being played outside of the UK.

Avery told Manchester Magistrates' Court: "I just want to reiterate that I'm just deeply sorry and I really regret what I did.

"I'm ashamed and embarrassed.

"Everyone that knows me has obviously felt this as well."

'Abusive gestures'

He added: "It's just a difficult situation. I wish it never would have happened. I regret it terribly.

"I hope other people look on what's happened to me and think twice before they do anything at football games."

Tess Kenyon, prosecuting, told the court the case involved "tragedy chanting" at the Old Trafford game on 17 March which was won 4-3 by Manchester United.

A video from an account on X, formerly known as Twitter, showed Avery putting his hand over his face with his fingers splayed.

The court heard the gesture was a reference to the Hillsborough disaster, in which 97 Liverpool fans died as a result of a crush at the 1989 FA Cup semi-final.

Avery was also seen pushing with two hands, which the court was told was a reference to the Heysel stadium disaster, where 39 people died at a match between Juventus and Liverpool.

The defendant sat with his head down as the short video was played twice to the court.

Ms Kenyon said: "The defendant's gestures are abusive in the context of what they denote and they were directed towards Liverpool fans at this football match."

She told the court the video went viral online and the following day the defendant presented himself at a police station where he told officers people were "getting the wrong end of the stick".

Ian Huggan, defending, said Avery was a "family man" with a job in the construction industry.

He said: "He feels that he has not only let himself down but his family and close friends."

Avery was fined £800 and ordered to pay a £320 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

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