Two teenage Manchester City supporters who sung “vile” chants about Sir Bobby Charlton have been banned from attending matches by the club in a move that could deter the risk of repeat incidents at Sunday’s derby at Old Trafford.
City launched an urgent investigation after a video surfaced of a small group of their fans mocking the Manchester United and England legend’s death at half-time of their game against Brighton at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Two fans, who cannot be named since both are aged under 18, have been suspended from all home and away matches and are now the subject of an investigation by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) which could lead to their arrest.
Charlton’s family had announced the death of the 1966 World Cup winner just minutes before the offensive chants began.
The Premier League champions expressed “extreme” disappointment at the behaviour and apologised unreservedly to Charlton’s family. The situation also drew condemnation from the Premier League.
‘Vile chanting’
City studied CCTV footage of the incident as part of their probe and a number of the club’s fans reported the matter after being left disgusted by what they were hearing.
City said the supporters would be subject to their official sanctions and bans process once GMP had concluded their own inquiries, at which point they would determine how long the two fans in question would be banned.
In a statement, City said: “Manchester City can confirm that two minors have been identified in connection with the vile chanting heard at the Etihad Stadium during half-time of last weekend’s fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion.
“The individuals in question have subsequently been suspended from attending all home or away fixtures and their details have been shared with Greater Manchester Police who are investigating the matter.
“Following the conclusion of Greater Manchester Police’s ongoing investigation, the individuals will be subject to the club’s official sanctions and bans process.”
United are confident that tributes to Charlton at the derby will not be marred by the rivalry between the two sets of supporters.
A minute’s applause is due to take place before the game at Old Trafford and United have dismissed any notion that is designed to drown out the threat of offensive behaviour from City fans.
A solemn minute’s silence was held before Tuesday’s Champions League tie against Copenhagen at Old Trafford on Tuesday night and United, after consultation with the Charlton family, feel applause is the right course of action this weekend.
There were concerns at a Premier League game between United and City at Old Trafford in February 2008 that coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Munich air disaster that a minute’s silence could be sabotaged, but it was observed impeccably by City fans.
A huge surfer flag bearing an image of Charlton lifting the European Cup with United in 1968, a decade after he survived the Munich tragedy, is expected to be unfurled at the game on Sunday.