Man Utd fan who mimick Hillsborough Disaster is banned from football for 3 years

A Manchester United fan who mimicked the Hillsborough Disaster in front of Liverpool supporters following an FA Cup quarter-final has been banned from football for three years.

Michael Bernard Avery, 44, was captured on film making the sick gesture after United’s dramatic 4-3 victory at Old Trafford. In footage that was widely circulated on social media, he held his hand against his face and pushed out both arms, mimicking the 1989 crush that killed 97 Liverpool supporters ahead of their FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.

Police launched an investigation and Avery subsequently pleaded guilty to a public order offence at Salford Magistrates Court today after handing himself in at a station. He was slapped with a three-year banning order and fines totalling £1,205.

‘I just want to reiterate that I'm just deeply sorry and I really regret what I did,’ Avery, who works in the construction industry, told the court.

'‘I'm ashamed and embarrassed. Everyone that knows me has obviously felt this as well.’

Avery, described as ‘a family man’, sat with his head down when the video of him performing the gestures in front of the away support was played twice.

He added: ‘It's just a difficult situation. I wish it never would have happened. I regret it terribly. I hope other people look on what's happened to me and think twice before they do anything at football games.’

Greater Manchester Police’s specialist operational football investigation led the probe after the March fixture.

Chief Inspector Jamie Collins said: 'Following the understandable concern raised online following the video being shared of Avery’s actions, we undertook an investigation into this to ensure justice was brought.

‘We are continuing to take a proactive action