Man United fan banned for four years for donning Hillsborough-mocking shirt
James White, a supporter of Manchester United, pled guilty to donning a shirt mocking the Hillsborough tragedy at this month’s FA Cup final.
The 33-year-old was brought before Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Monday morning following his detention during the Manchester United vs. Manchester City final.
A photo of White’s shirt with the number 97 and the words ‘not enough’ printed on the reverse was shared on social media prior to his arrest by police officers.
White pleaded guilty to displaying menacing or abusive writing likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress, and according to Sky News, he could be seen “chuckling” as he was sentenced.
In addition to a £1,000 fine and £485 in court costs, he is prohibited from attending all regulated football matches for four years.
James White, 33, from Warwickshire, has pleaded guilty to displaying threatening or abusive writing likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress after turning up to the FA Cup Final in a shirt saying "Not Enough 97" pic.twitter.com/tQnLy5aOIy
— Chris Chambers (@CapitalChambo) June 19, 2023
The court heard White’s claims to arresting officers regarding the intent of his clothing.
“You haven’t even asked me what the T-shirt means,” he told police officers.
“My grandad died aged 97 and didn’t have enough kids.”
White had “many” prior convictions, none of which were football-related, but according to his defense, he “deeply regrets” his actions at Wembley.
Mark Jabbitt, a district judge, characterized the shirt’s message as “repugnant” and its impact as “profound and distressing.”
Monday, Jabbitt stated, “It is difficult to imagine a more…offensive reference to the 1989 Hillsborough disaster.”
The verdict comes less than a week after Tottenham supporter Kieron Darlow, 25, was banned for three years for making offensive gestures at Anfield in April mimicking Hillsborough.
The court heard White’s claims to arresting officers regarding the intent of his clothing.
“You haven’t even asked me what the T-shirt means,” he told police officers.
“My grandad died aged 97 and didn’t have enough kids.”
White had “many” prior convictions, none of which were football-related, but according to his defense, he “deeply regrets” his actions at Wembley.
Mark Jabbitt, a district judge, characterized the shirt’s message as “repugnant” and its impact as “profound and distressing.”
Monday, Jabbitt stated, “It is difficult to imagine a more…offensive reference to the 1989 Hillsborough disaster.”
The verdict comes less than a week after Tottenham supporter Kieron Darlow, 25, was banned for three years for making offensive gestures at Anfield in April mimicking Hillsborough.
Man United fan banned for four years for donning Hillsborough-mocking shirt
