A teenager has appeared in court over chanting regarding the death of Sir Bobby Charlton at a Manchester City match.
The 17-year-old, who cannot be identified because of his age, was charged with a public order offence after a video emerged following City's match against Brighton at the Etihad Stadium on October 21, the day Sir Bobby died aged 86.
He today (Monday, November 13) appeared at the Youth Court at Manchester Magistrates Court. At a brief five-minute hearing the youth spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth as he stood before the bench, with his arms behind his back and accompanied by his mother to court.
READ MORE: IN PICTURES: Thousands gather to pay respects to Unied legend Sir Bobby Charlton
He had made a “partial admission” to the offence to police officers, the court heard. District Judge Joanne Hirst was told the youngster had never been in trouble before and lives with his parents in the Tameside area. The court heard he could still avoid a criminal record if he accepts a caution by police.
District Judge Hurst told the boy: “You made some inflammatory comments on the day that Sir Bobby Charlton died that could have led to quite a lot of trouble. I’m encouraged if the police think a caution is appropriate, it is always better if a young person can begin adult life without a conviction.
“It will be up to the police whether they administer a caution, it is up to you to fully admit so that the caution can be given. That will be the end of the matter.” He was ordered not to attend any football matches before he meets police again to receive his caution.
Police launched an investigation following hateful chanting at City’s home game on October 21 about the death of Manchester United and England great Sir Bobby Charlton.
City manager Pep Guardiola criticised the chanting following the incident with the club also denouncing it as “vile”.
Thousands of people today lined the streets to say farewell to the United and England icon whose cortege made a final trip to Old Trafford before making its way to Manchester Cathedral where more than 1,000 people including Prince William and footballing greats of past and present joined friends and family for a private service.
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