The Football Association (FA) is looking into “tragedy chanting” during Sunday’s Premier League fixture between Luton Town and Liverpool at Kenilworth Road.
Chants that indirectly referenced the Hillsborough disaster were heard from some supporters during the second half of the 1-1 draw.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, commentating on the game for Sky Sports, condemned the chants, while Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp — who said he did not hear the chants himself — said: “Shame on everyone who said it.”
The FA voiced its condemnation in a statement on Monday and said it was seeking more information from Luton and the police.
The statement read: “We are aware of the tragedy chanting during yesterday’s Premier League fixture between Luton Town and Liverpool, and we are seeking further observations from Luton Town and further detail from the police.
“We strongly condemn chanting of this nature and will continue to work closely with our stakeholders across the game, including the clubs, leagues, fan groups and the relevant authorities to proactively address the issue.”
Luton released a statement later on Monday saying they were “saddened by reports of inappropriate chanting towards Liverpool supporters”.
The club said it had launched an internal investigation and was reviewing CCTV and media footage, adding: “Any perpetrators could face stadium bans and potential criminal prosecutions.”
The statement concluded: “On behalf of all at Luton Town, we would like to wholeheartedly apologise to anyone offended by the chants heard during yesterday’s match, and will continue to work with supporter groups to educate fans on chants that are classed as tragedy abuse by football authorities, the police and CPS.”
Liverpool have written to Luton to ask about their response to the chanting — including enquiries over stewarding and use of the PA system.
Carragher had said during the game: “At the start of the season I was involved in something with supporters coming together about tragedy chanting.
“I’ve just heard that a couple of times in this game. As supporters you’ve got to have rivalry, there is no doubt. But we’re better than that.
“All clubs have been guilty of that over the years at different times. But the world we live in right now, I think we’re better than that.”
The Premier League said earlier this season it was stepping up efforts to combat tragedy chanting, with the Crown Prosecution Service updating its prosecution guidance on football-related offences. Anyone found guilty of offences faces stadium bans and criminal prosecution.
Liverpool earned a late draw after substitute Luis Diaz cancelled out Tahith Chong’s 80th-minute goal for Luton.
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(Photo: Getty Images)
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