Man Utd respond after Man City condemn offensive chants about Sir Bobby Charlton

Manchester United have responded after Manchester City condemned offensive chants from a “small number of individuals” following the death of Sir Bobby Charlton. The Red Devils recognised that it was only a minority of supporters taking part.

It was announced at 4pm on Saturday that Charlton had passed away at the age of 86. City were halfway through their Premier League match at home to Burnley at the time.

Videos surfaced on social media after the game of some City fans chanting disrespectfully about the late England great while in the concourse at the Etihad. City moved to condemn the actions in a statement on Sunday and apologised to Charlton’s friends and family.

United play host to City at Old Trafford this weekend. There have been fears that chants from the away section will mar what will be a celebration of Charlton’s life.

Read more… Bobby Charlton’s daughter worked for BBC and RAF before marrying Wimbledon hero

Premier League managers pay tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton

But the Mail says United understand only a small number of fans took part in the chants on Saturday. They are hoping Manchester comes together as one to pay tribute and respect to Charlton.

United will hold a minute’s silence before their Champions League match at home to Copenhagen on Tuesday. However, there will instead be a minute of applause for the visit of City on Sunday.

United have dismissed the idea that the applause is to drown out any offensive behaviour from the travelling supporters. Applause is seen as a more appropriate way to remember one of the club’s all-time great players.

A protest against the Glazer ownership from The 1958 group will not go ahead as planned. City, meanwhile, have promised to hand out banning orders to supporters who were filmed chanting on Saturday.

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Their statement reads: “Manchester City FC are extremely disappointed to have learned of reports of offensive chanting from a small number of individuals about Sir Bobby Charlton in some of the concourses of Etihad Stadium during half-time of yesterday’s Premier League fixture against Brighton and Hove Albion.

“The club condemns these chants in the strongest terms and apologises unreservedly to the family and friends of Sir Bobby, and to all those at Manchester United. On this day of all days, when the stadium stood to pay tribute to our own legend in Francis Lee, Manchester City supporters should understand and appreciate as keenly as anyone the need for respect in our game.

“Our security team are studying CCTV footage of the concourse areas. We are thankful to those who have already come forward to report this matter, and we continue to appeal for any information that can help us identify the individuals involved so that we can take the appropriate action to issue banning orders.

“Fans who see or hear abusive behaviour are encouraged to text 0770 0151 894 to make our dedicated security team aware of what they have witnessed.”

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