A man who sang tragedy chants during a recent Leeds United game has been handed a three year football banning order.
Nicholas Harpur, 23, of Flint Lane, Sefton, Merseyside, appeared at Leeds Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Monday, January 5) where he pleaded guilty to a public order offence which occurred after the Leeds United vs Liverpool game on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Elland Road.
Officers were at the away fan coach park when they heard shouting and chanting between numerous sets of fans, both home and away. Harpur was heard tragedy chanting making reference to an incident in Istanbul during which two Leeds United fans died.
Following yesterday’s court appearance, Harpur was fined £800 and ordered to pay a surcharge of £320 and £85 costs. He was also made subject of a three year football banning order.
Chief Inspector Pete Hall, who was the match commander for the fixture said: “We know that the vast majority of fans don’t want to see this type of behaviour which is highly offensive and can cause genuine distress to those affected by the incidents that these tragedy chants refer to.
“Directing chants, comments or gestures such as this at rival fans has no place in football. We will continue to work closely with Leeds United and visiting clubs to ensure that any offences are investigated and banning orders sought where appropriate.”
Get all the latest big and breaking Leeds news straight to your mobile via WhatsApp by clicking here.