By Shaun Murphy-
A man has been charged for wearing a football shirt that made an offensive reference to the Hillsborough disaster at the FA Cup Final at Wembley.
James White, 33, of Warwickshire, was charged on Sunday with displaying threatening or abusive writing likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress, Scotland Yard said.
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The Metropolitan Police shared a photo of the shirt worn by the Manchester United fan, which had the number 97 and the words “Not Enough.”
The police force said White was arrested “after being seen wearing a shirt which appeared to refer in offensive terms to those who died in the Hillsborough tragedy”.
He was bailed to appear at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Monday, June 19.
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In addition to the charges, police warned: “There should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
On Sunday, the FA said in a statement: “The FA strongly condemns the actions of the individual who wore a shirt referencing the Hillsborough disaster ahead of the Emirates FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium.
“We saw a photograph of the offensive shirt on social media and immediately started working to identify the perpetrator.
“Our security team were able to quickly locate the individual based on the image, and we welcome the swift action which was then taken by the police.
“We will not tolerate abuse relating to Hillsborough or any football tragedy at Wembley Stadium and we will continue to work with the authorities to ensure strong action is taken against perpetrators.”
The shirt was alleged to have referred to the Hillsborough disaster, where 97 fans died as a result of a crush at a match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield in 1989.
The Metropolitan Police added 22 people were arrested in connection with the FA Cup final on Saturday.
Offences included assault, affray, drunk and disorderly behaviour and possession of drugs – but police have not yet made an arrest in relation to an item thrown onto the pitch during the match.
On Sunday June 4, the FA said in a statement: “The FA strongly condemns the actions of the individual who wore a shirt referencing the Hillsborough disaster ahead of the Emirates FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium.
“We saw a photograph of the offensive shirt on social media and immediately started working to identify the perpetrator.
“Our security team were able to quickly locate the individual based on the image, and we welcome the swift action which was then taken by the police.
“We will not tolerate abuse relating to Hillsborough or any football tragedy at Wembley Stadium and we will continue to work with the authorities to ensure strong action is taken against perpetrators.”
Ninety-seven football fans died as a result of a crush at a match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield on April 15 1989.
An inquest jury ruled in 2016 that they were unlawfully killed amid a number of police errors.
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