Teenager appears in court after being charged over Sir Bobby Charlton chants

13 November 2023 , 18:34

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Sir Bobby Charlton passed away at the age of 86 in October (Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)

A teenager who was charged over chants relating to the death of Sir Bobby Charlton at a Manchester City match has appeared in court.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named because of his age, appeared at the Youth Court at Manchester Magistrates Court on Monday November 13. During a five-minute hearing the teenager only spoke to confirm his name and age as he stood before the bench with his mother for company.

He was charged with a public order offence after a video footage showed him chanting during City's win over Brighton at the Etihad Stadium on October 21 - the day the Manchester United legend died at the age of 86.

The court has heard how he made a “partial admission” to the offence to police officers. District Judge Joanne Hirst has been told that the 17-year-old had never been in trouble before and lives with his parents in the Tameside area. He could yet avoid a criminal record if he accepts a caution by police, the court also heard.

He was ordered not to attend any football matches before he meets police again to receive his caution. District Judge Hurst told the boy: “You made some inflammatory comments on the day that Sir Bobby Charlton died that could have led to quite a lot of trouble. I’m encouraged if the police think a caution is appropriate, it is always better if a young person can begin adult life without a conviction.

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“It will be up to the police whether they administer a caution, it is up to you to fully admit so that the caution can be given. That will be the end of the matter.”

The incident occurred during Man City's home win over Brighton

City boss Pep Guardiola said after the incident: "What represents us is that the next time I go to Old Trafford to sign the book on condolences on behalf of Manchester City. "We have a huge respect for Manchester United and especially the icon and the figure that is Sir Bobby Charlton. Our condolences are with his family and with Manchester United. They always are and always will be there."

On Monday thousands of people paid their tribute to one of United and England's finest ever players. More than 1,000 people were at Manchester Cathedral, Prince William among them, as friends and family took part in a private service.

Samuel Meade