NWCFL Issue Statement After Alleged Tragedy Chanting In Macron Cup Quarter-Final

Published: Monday 19th February 2024. 20:30

Written By: MFFootball

Butcher's Arms Ground, home of Droylsden FC.

The North West Counties Football League have released a statement following Saturday's Macron Cup Quarter-Final tie between Droylsden FC and Ashville FC.

The statement comes after reports of "tragedy chants" from the home side's support aimed at Merseyside-based Ashville's visiting support. The match itself was unfortunately abandoned after 75 minutes, due to heavy rain affecting the condition of the pitch, with the visitors leading 3-2.

Sadly, the decision to abandon the tie was not the talking point of the day, as many have reported hearing insults and comments regarding one of the worst sporting tragedies in history. Alleged chants of "always the victims" and "feed the scousers" were reported, with the former of course being in relation to the Hillsborough disaster, in which 97 Liverpool fans sadly lost their lives and the latter mocking poverty in the Liverpool region.

Ashville FC's official X account [formerly known as Twitter] released this statement shortly after the game ended:

The tweet, as of writing, has ammased over 132,000 views, with many calling upon the North West Counties Football League and the Manchester FA to take appropriate action against the club. One reader has demanded the club "play their next two games behind closed doors," whilst another simply asked Droylsden FC officials to respond, unless they themselves are "on board with the chants."

The NWCFL then responded with this statement:

" The NWCFL is aware of allegations of tragedy chanting during the Macron Cup Quarter Final tie between Droylsden and Ashville.

The League has previously issued warnings to all member clubs about their responsibilities in ensuring spectator behaviour at grounds, following similar incidents involving tragedy chanting this season. Punishment could include the potential closure of grounds to spectators. ‘Tragedy chanting’ is now a criminal offence and fans who are caught can be prosecuted and receive a lengthy ban from football. It is considered alongside homophobic, racist and other forms of abuse. 

In this instance, The League has asked both clubs for their observations, and we will work with the respective County FAs, as this is a potential discipline matter under the jurisdiction of the FA.  The League condemn any forms of tragedy chanting, which has no place in football. To use horrific tragedies such as Hillsborough and the Munich Air Crash as a form of ‘banter’ disrespects the victims and their loved ones, and damages the reputation of the clubs concerned.

We would urge anyone who observes tragedy chanting at any of our games to report it to stewards at a game, to the Club concerned, or to the League or County FA so action against any individuals can be taken."

The South-Manchester outfit are expected to issue a response following both statements from Ashville and The NWCFL, but are currently yet to respond to  either.

We will provide an update if there are any further developments.

How Should The NWCFL and Manchester FA Sort The Issue? Leave Your Thoughts In Our Comments Section Below.