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United fans want end to Hillsborough chants
ESPN staff
September 15, 2012
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The Manchester United Supporters Trust has reinforced the views of the club's manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, by calling for an end to chants about the Hillsborough disaster.
United's 4-0 win over Wigan was tainted by a minority of fans singing that Liverpool supporters were 'Always the victim'. The song is about the belief of some United fans that Liverpool never take any responsibility for their actions. Certain members of the United faithful claim the words relate to Patrice Evra's run-in with Luis Suarez last season, but it is widely acknowledge to be a reference to the disasters at Heysel and Hillsborough.
A spokesperson for United said the club 'deplore' such songs. In a statement, United said: "The manager has made the club's position very clear on this matter. It is now up to the fans to respect that.''
The tension between clubs will be increased when they face each other at Anfield next Sunday. MUST has tried to calm the situation by releasing a statement of their own.
MUST chief executive Duncan Drasdo said: "Following this week's developments and release of revelatory information on the Hillsborough tragedy, MUST wishes to make it absolutely clear that just as we condemn chants mocking the Munich air disaster we also condemn any chants relating to Hillsborough or indeed any other human tragedy.
"We did hear the usual anti-Liverpool chants at the match today but we're pleased to say, despite some reports to the contrary, there was nothing that was specifically referencing Hillsborough.
"Any attempt to suggest otherwise is irresponsible given the forthcoming fixture between the clubs and furthermore risks needlessly upsetting the bereaved families further at a time when they are understandably trying to find closure.
"We enjoy a fierce rivalry but these issues transcend that rivalry.
"We agree 100% with the statement made by Sir Alex Ferguson - this is the time for supporters of these two great clubs to represent their clubs with the integrity and honour that our glorious history demands.''
© ESPN EMEA Ltd
