Vile soccer fan admits mocking Hillsborough and fan’s demise in sick submit

A football fan has admitted to making sickening comments about the Hillsborough disaster and the recent death of a West Brom supporter.

Sheffield Wednesday fan Richard Crisp, 55, made light of Mark Townsend’s passing and made reference to the 97 victims of the 1989 tragedy at the stadium in a vile social media post.

Season ticket holder, Mark, 57, suffered a medical emergency in the away end during the team’s Championship match on September 28 and sadly passed away in hospital.

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He was in the Leppings Lane End of the stadium, where 97 Liverpool fans tragically lost their lives in a crush during the 1989 FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.

In a now-deleted post on X, Crisp wrote: “Another one to add to the Leppings Lane total.

“What are we at now, 98? When we get to 100, we’ll have a party. Up the Owls.”

Crisp appeared before Sheffield Magistrates Court today (Mon) charged with sending communication of an indecent or grossly offensive nature. Prosecutor Neil Coyne told the court: “This message referenced the Hillsborough disaster.”

Crisp, who was banned for life by the club, was charged by South Yorkshire Police with sending a communication or article of an indecent or offensive nature.

Dressed in an all-grey suit with a blue tie and glasses, he spoke only to confirm his name, age, address and to enter a guilty plea during today’s brief hearing.

His defence barrister, Miss Brown, stated: “This is a serious and unpleasant offence, which Mr Crisp was immensely remorseful for, particularly in the police station when interviewed.”

He is due to appear before the court again on January 24 for sentencing. He has been granted unconditional bail until then.

Sheffield Wednesday previously released a statement saying: “Sheffield Wednesday can confirm a lifetime ban from all club activities and premises for the individual responsible for an abhorrent social media post.

“The post was relative to the tragic passing of West Bromwich Albion supporter Mark Townsend following a medical emergency at Hillsborough on Saturday.

“We condemn absolutely this outrageous behaviour and underline our zero tolerance policy towards unlawful activity on all social media platforms.

“Our thoughts remain with the loved ones of Mr Townsend and the wider West Bromwich Albion community at this incredibly difficult time.”

A fundraiser set up in Mark’s memory by a Sheffield Wednesday fan raised more than £2,000 for his family.

His death also prompted questions over the procedures at Hillsborough and his brother called for a full inquiry into the club’s “failings” and “lack of safety protocols”.

Speaking to the BBC, Steve Townsend criticised the club for not pausing the match during the incident and claimed staff did not have sufficient training to handle the emergency.

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