Leeds United confirm action against fan arrested over Liverpool incident at Anfield

Merseyside Police have confirmed to the YEP that a 24-year-old man from Dundalk, Ireland, was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence - causing intentional harassment, alarm or distress - and received a police caution.

The incident is believed to relate to a Leeds supporter holding aloft a copy of The Sun, a newspaper still boycotted by many in Liverpool over its coverage of the Hillsborough Disaster in 1989. A photo of the supporter with the newspaper provoked anger on social media and when the man attempted to enter Anfield he was identified and arrested.

The Whites were notified of the police action and duly began their own investigation, and the YEP understands a permanent ban from matches was issued upon discovery of a previous club ban, which is their standard procedure.

Hillsborough campaigner Charlotte Hennessy, who was six years old when her dad James was among the 97 lives claimed by the stadium disaster, has taken to social media in praise of Leeds' swift action having contacted the club over the incident. Leeds' head of matchday safety and security Laura Strong responded in a letter to say: "Leeds United does not condone this behaviour, it does not represent our club, and so persons who behave in such a way receive sanctions."

Before Saturday's game representatives from Leeds United Supporters Club and Marching Out Together laid a wreath outside Anfield in memory of those who died due to the Hillsborough disaster.

The FA has recently been forced to respond to what it describes as a rise in chants relating to the tragedy. A spokesperson said: "We are very concerned about the rise in abhorrent chants in stadiums that are related to the Hillsborough disaster and other football related tragedies. These chants are highly offensive and are deeply upsetting for the families, friends and communities who have been impacted by these devastating events, and we strongly condemn this behaviour.

"We support clubs and fans who try to stamp out this behaviour from our game. We also support the excellent work of the survivor groups who engage with the stakeholders across football to help educate people about the damaging and lasting effects that these terrible chants can have."