Man United fan who made sick ‘fence’ and ‘push’ gestures mocking the Hillsborough Disaster is charged… after police made EIGHT arrests following Liverpool’s 4-3 FA Cup defeat at Old Trafford

A man has been charged after police investigated a video posted on social media which appeared to show a Manchester United fan making sick gestures mocking the Hillsborough Disaster at Sunday’s FA Cup tie.

Michael Bernard Avery, 44, and from Manchester, has been charged under Section 4a of the Public Order Act 1986 and has since been bailed.

The development follows a probe by officers in Greater Manchester’s Specialist Operational football investigation team after the clip was widely shared online.

Taken from the away section after United’s dramatic, 4-3 win, it featured a United supporter repeatedly pressing his hand against his face to mimic a crush as he exited Old Trafford below the Liverpool fans.

Police, who have been working with both clubs in the aftermath of the game, say they are also investigating a video which appears to show tragedy chanting in the Liverpool section of the stadium.

The man – Michael Bernard Avery, 44, from Manchester – appeared to mimic pushing a wall 

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Officers made eight arrests at the fixture. Two of those held were United fans, on suspicion of tragedy chanting. Throughout the game United supporters sang ‘murderers’, ‘always the victims, it’s never your fault’ and ‘The Sun was right – you’re murderers’.

Three Liverpool fans were arrested in suspicion of possession of Class A drugs while a 46-year-old away supporters was arrested on suspicion of possession of a pyrotechnic. A flare was hurled into United’s disabled section from the Liverpool part of the stadium following a Mohamed Salah goal.

Chief Inspector Jamie Collins said: ‘Our investigation into this fixture in relation to supporter conduct is ongoing and continuing at pace and we encourage members of the public to carry on reporting incidents so we can investigate.

‘We are reiterating the message that any kind of gesture or comments from any supporters to other clubs in relation to tragedy chanting will not be tolerated and is completely unacceptable.

‘I would also like this to be a strong warning for any supporters attending future fixtures in Greater Manchester, including the up-and-coming Premier League fixture between these two clubs, that if you engage in this behaviour GMP officers will do everything possible to bring you in front of the courts.

The FA issued a statement condemning reported tragedy chanting during the FA Cup clash

The Red Devils came from behind to stun Liverpool during the 120-minute epic at Old Trafford

‘Both clubs involved, and the vast majority of supporters agree with this stance and despite the time passed we will continue to take proactive and appropriate action to tragedy chanting amongst other offences.’

The force added: ‘GMP understands the interest this case will have generated but it is imperative that the suspect has a fair trial so members of the public must refrain from engaging in conversations online, at least until proceedings have concluded. Previously circulated videos should be removed.’