Man Utd and Leeds fans’ disgraceful ‘tragedy chanting’ slammed by Premier League

On Feb 12, 2023

The Premier League have condemned sick chants from Leeds and Manchester United supporters during a bad-tempered clash at Elland Road.

Home fans could be seen mimicking aeroplanes in what was a gesture mocking the Munich Air Disaster of 1958 which claimed 23 lives, including a host of United players.

And travelling United supporters could be heard making abusive chants about the two Leeds fans murdered in Istanbul ahead of a UEFA Cup semi final against Galatasaray in 2000.

United won the game 2-0 thanks to late goals from Marcus Rashford and substitute Alejandro Garnacho.

But the match was overshadowed by events in the stands as the bitter rivalry between these two sworn enemies spilled over once again.

Several arrests were made by West Yorkshire police before the game, while CCTV footage from inside the ground will be studied in a bid to identify those responsible for the chanting.

The Premier League have launched an investigation and said in a statement: “The Premier League condemns the chanting heard during today’s match between Leeds United and Manchester United.

Erik ten Hag’s Man Utd picked up a 2-0 victory at Elland Road
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

“The League is treating the issue of tragedy chanting as a priority and matter of urgency.”

A joint statement from both clubs also condemned the abusive chanting.

It said: “Both clubs strongly condemn chanting from both sets of fans at today’s game regarding historic tragedies.

“Such behaviour is completely unacceptable and we will continue to work together with our respective fan groups, Premier League and other authorities on eradicating it from football.”