Nicholas Harpur was brought before the courts and banned from matches
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01: Jeremie Frimpong of Liverpool controls the ball whilst under pressure from Gabriel Gudmundsson of Leeds United (obscured) during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Leeds United at Anfield on January 01, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Jeremie Frimpong of Liverpool controls the ball while under pressure from Gabriel Gudmundsson of Leeds United during the Premier League match at Anfield on January 01, 2026
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A man who made tragedy chants during a Leeds United match has been banned from attending football matches for three years. Nicholas Harpur, 23, of Flint Lane, Melling, appeared at Leeds Magistrates' Court on Monday, January 5, where he pleaded guilty to a public order offence following the Leeds United v Liverpool fixture on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
The court heard officers were policing the away fans' coach park after the match when shouting and chanting broke out between groups of home and away supporters.
Harpur was heard making tragedy chants referencing an incident in Istanbul in which two Leeds United fans died. Harpur was fined £800 and ordered to pay a £320 victim surcharge and £85 in costs. He was also made subject to 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.”
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