Manchester United fan, 33, who 'wore vile shirt mocking Hillsborough disaster at FA Cup final in Wembley' is charged with displaying threatening or abusive writing

  • James White, 33, from Warwickshire, was arrested at Wembley on Sunday
  • He wore a shirt which appeared to mock the 97 football fans who died in 1989 

A man who was arrested by police at the FA Cup final on Saturday after wearing a shirt appearing to mock the Hillsborough disaster has been named.

James White, 33, from Warwickshire, was charged by police with displaying threatening or abusive writing likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

He was bailed to appear at Willesden Magistrates' Court on Monday June 19. If found guilty, he could face up to six months in prison and an unlimited fine. 

It follows a picture widely shared on social media depicting a man wearing a white football shirt, with the number 97 on the back and the phrase 'Not Enough' appearing where a player's name is traditionally emblazoned. 

This was widely condemned online as it appeared to mock the 97 football fans who lost their lives in the Hillsborough disaster after a crush. 

It follows a picture widely shared on social media depicting a man wearing a white football shirt, with the number 97 on the back

It follows a picture widely shared on social media depicting a man wearing a white football shirt, with the number 97 on the back

Police arrested a man at Wembley for a public order offence

Police arrested a man at Wembley for a public order offence

The Metropolitan Police named White on Sunday afternoon as they revealed a further 22 people were arrested during the policing operation associated with the FA Cup final. 

These arrests were made for offences including assault, affray, possession of drugs and drunk and disorderly behaviour. 

A police spokesperson added that enquiries into reports of an item being thrown onto the pitch shortly after Manchester United scored in the match continue.

No arrests have been made in relation to the item-throwing incident. 

Yesterday the Met Police tweeted in relation to the picture of the football shirt: 'We are aware of this and have worked proactively with officials at Wembley Stadium to identify the individual.' 

On Sunday, the FA said in a statement: 'The FA strongly condemns the actions of the individual who wore a shirt referencing the Hillsborough disaster ahead of the Emirates FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.

'We saw a photograph of the offensive shirt on social media and immediately started working to identify the perpetrator.

Manchester City won the FA Cup Final against their hometown rivals Manchester United

Manchester City won the FA Cup Final against their hometown rivals Manchester United

'Our security team were able to quickly locate the individual based on the image, and we welcome the swift action which was then taken by the police.

'We will not tolerate abuse relating to Hillsborough or any football tragedy at Wembley Stadium and we will continue to work with the authorities to ensure strong action is taken against perpetrators.'

Ninety-seven football fans died as a result of a crush at a match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield on April 15, 1989.

They were unlawfully killed amid a number of police errors, an inquest jury ruled in 2016.

The Metropolitan Police said criminal proceedings are active and the defendant has the right to a fair trial.

'There should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings,' the force said.

It is believed that White is a Manchester United fan. 

Manchester United lost the Manchester Derby on Sunday 2-1 to their rivals Manchester City. 

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