Man United Fan Convicted of Battery at Community Shield in London

Harry Thorley, a 19-year-old Manchester United supporter from Crewe, was convicted of battery after attacking a Manchester City fan at the Community Shield event in London on August 27. The incident occurred in a car park where Thorley approached the City fan and punched him in the face without provocation. Following this unprovoked attack, he was fined £601 and was scheduled for a football banning order hearing in the coming month. Just five days later, on September 1, Thorley was arrested again for chanting offensive remarks towards Liverpool supporters during a match at Old Trafford. His chants, which included the term 'murderers,' were linked to the Heysel Stadium disaster, and he admitted to using threatening and abusive language while in custody. As a result, he received a three-year ban from attending football matches and was ordered to pay an additional £343. The actions of Thorley highlight a growing concern regarding tragedy chanting in football, prompting law enforcement to take a firmer stance against such behavior. The Greater Manchester Police's Football Banning Officer emphasized the importance of addressing these issues, stating that they will work closely with clubs to ensure that supporters are aware of the consequences of their actions. In a related incident, another Manchester United fan, Tommy Jobling, faced legal repercussions for sharing offensive messages about the Hillsborough Disaster. He was given a community order, which included rehabilitation days and unpaid work, demonstrating the ongoing efforts to combat offensive behavior among football fans.