Man City apologise as some fans boo minute’s silence for Hillsborough vs Liverpool | Football | Sport
Manchester City were forced to apologise after some of their fans booed a minute’s silence ahead of their FA Cup semi-final with Liverpool on Saturday. The silence, which was ultimately cut short, was held as a mark of respect for the 97 Reds fans who lost their life at the Hillsborough disaster in 1989.
“Manchester City are extremely disappointed with the actions of some City supporters during the minute’s silence before today’s game,” said a City spokesperson. “The club sincerely apologises to all those connected with Liverpool Football Club.”
City went head-to-head with Liverpool the day after the 33rd anniversary of the tragedy. But the shocking behaviour from some Citizens supporters tarnished the encounter.
“One news item I want to read out before we move on, this match was meant to be preceded by a minute’s silence for the 33rd anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster,” Gary Lineker said as he hosted the BBC’s coverage of the showdown. “This was cut short by referee Michael Oliver after persistent chants from the City end, which is obviously disappointing.”
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Liverpool will face either Chelsea or Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final next month. The two London clubs face each other in the second semi-final on Sunday. Jurgen Klopp’s side have also reached the Champions League semi-finals and are just one point behind Manchester City in the Premier League table with seven games of the season remaining.
The Hillsborough disaster occurred on Saturday, April 15 1989 when Liverpool went up against Nottingham Forest in an FA Cup semi-final as an overcrowding issue led to the biggest death toll in British sporting history.
