Manchester United have joined forces with Liverpool in a bid to stamp out tragedy chanting by educating schoolchildren over the impact of the Munich and Hillsborough disasters.
The problem has polluted the biggest rivalry in English football for a number of years, and bans were imposed on several fans following incidents during United’s win over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford 10 days ago.
The two clubs have been at the forefront of the Premier League’s campaign against tragedy-related abuse, with managers Erik ten Hag and Jurgen Klopp issuing a joint statement last season calling for an end to chanting about Hillsborough, Heysel and Munich.
In the build-up to the next game between the sides in the league at Old Trafford a week on Sunday, the United and Liverpool foundations have teamed up to launch an education programme in partnership with the Premier League aimed at eradicating the issue for good.
The two clubs announced the initiative on Wednesday when students from across Greater Manchester and Merseyside took part in the first session at Lord Derby School in Huyton.
Former United defender Wes Brown and Liverpool captain Phil Thompson spoke about the impact the Hillsborough and Munich disasters had on the two clubs, their fans and the cities.
John Shiels, CEO of the Manchester United Foundation, said: ‘It is unacceptable to use the loss of life, in relation to any tragedy, to score points, and it is time for it to stop.
‘We are proud to come together with LFC Foundation as we believe education will break the generational cycle on this issue and help thousands of young people across this region understand the impact tragedy-related abuse has.’
Matt Parish, CEO of the Liverpool FC Foundation, added: ‘This is a hugely important event which both clubs are committed to making happen every year. Our two proud foundations coming together to
show young people, and all others, how we stand united against tragedy chanting is a very powerful message.
‘Education is key, alongside appropriate action, to eradicating vile tragedy chanting in all its forms forever, and we’re delighted to be able do our bit to help.’
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham travelled to Germany last year to be part of the memorial service marking the 65th anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster, and has also been a key figure in the campaign for truth and justice for Hillsborough families alongside Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram.
Burnham said: ‘Tragedy chanting should be challenged wherever it happens, whenever it happens. This important programme, led by the two foundations, will help thousands of young people learn about the history of Manchester United and Liverpool FC, and why this abuse is so wrong.
‘These two great clubs are united by the huge impact Munich and Hillsborough had on the clubs and on the cities. We should remember that there is more that unites Liverpool and Manchester than divides us.’