Teenage boy charged after Manchester City fans mock death of Sir Bobby Charlton
28 October 2023, 07:39
A teenage boy has been charged with a public order offence after fans sang mocking chants about Sir Bobby Charlton's death at a Manchester City home game.
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"A small number” of fans were recorded singing offensive chants about the football legend. He died on October 21 aged 86.
Greater Manchester Police said the 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been bailed with conditions not to attend any regulated football matches.
The teen will appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Youth Court on November 13.
A 14-year-old boy, who was voluntarily interviewed in connection with the incident, will be dealt with out of court, police said.
It comes ahead of Manchester City's trip to Old Trafford for the Manchester derby on Sunday afternoon.
Some fans could be heard sang the chant at Etihad Stadium after their team’s 2-1 win over Brighton last weekend. Dressed in ‘Man City’ merchandise, they chanted “Bobby’s in a box.”
Manchester City fans took to social media to brand the video “disgraceful”, with many saying they were “disgusted” by the actions of the other fans.
The club released a statement in response to the incident: “Manchester City FC are extremely disappointed to have learned of reports of offensive chanting from a small number of individuals about Sir Bobby Charlton in some of the concourses of the Etihad Stadium during half time of yesterday's Premier League fixture against Brighton and Hove Albion.
"The club condemns these chants in the strongest terms, and apologises unreservedly to the family and friends of Sir Bobby, and to all those at Manchester United.
"On this day of all days, when the stadium stood to pay tribute to our own legend in Francis Lee, Manchester City supporters should understand and appreciate as keenly as anyone the need for respect in our game.
"Our security team are studying CCTV footage of the concourse areas."
David Bernstein reacts to offensive chants about Sir Bobby Charlton
In a statement, Manchester City said: "We are thankful to those who have already come forward to report this matter, and we continue to appeal for any information that can help us identify the individuals involved, so that we can take the appropriate action to issue banning orders.
"Fans who see or hear abusive behaviour are encouraged to text 0770 0151 894 to make our dedicated security team aware of what they have witnessed."
After Sir Bobby’s death, there was an outpouring of tributes from fans and footballers alike.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will make a tribute to Sir Bobby when his team play against Manchester United on Sunday.
He said: "These types of players and personalities represent English football like no-one else can do it.
"Condolences from us for his family especially. Next week when we go there (Old Trafford), we will be present to make a tribute.
"I love this country for many things but one of the things is how they take care of the legends.
"They are part of the club and they travel. Sir Bobby Charlton represented United and English football unlike anyone else."
Manchester United said after Sir Bobby's death: "Manchester United are in mourning following the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of our club.
"Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world.
"He was admired as much for his sportsmanship and integrity as he was for his outstanding qualities as a footballer; Sir Bobby will always be remembered as a giant of the game."
During his 17-year career at Manchester United, Sir Bobby played 758 games and scored 249 goals. His records were surpassed only by Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney.
In 1966, he won the Ballon d’Or, the same year he played for the England team that won the FIFA World Cup.
