A Sunderland AFC fan, Keelan Murray, has been fined and given a three-year banning order after mocking the helicopter crash that tragically killed former Leicester City chairman Khun Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha. The incident occurred during Sunderland’s 1-0 defeat at the King Power Stadium on October 24.
Murray was arrested by Leicestershire Police after being seen making a gesture referencing the helicopter crash that occurred on October 29, 2018, outside the stadium, resulting in the loss of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and four others. The tragedy deeply affected the football community, and mocking such a sensitive event is considered offensive and inappropriate.
Appearing in Leicester Magistrates’ Court, Murray pleaded guilty to a Section 5 Public Order offense. In addition to the three-year banning order, he was fined £120, ordered to pay £85 in costs, and a £48 victim surcharge. The banning order prohibits him from attending any football matches during this period.
PC David Stevens, Leicestershire Police’s dedicated football officer, emphasized that offensive gestures or ‘tragedy chanting’ have no place in football. The police will continue to work with clubs to identify and take action against individuals engaging in such offensive behavior at football matches.
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