Spirit of Shankly are pleased to share the news that English football authorities have collectively launched a new charter that includes fan behaviour and significantly tragedy chanting.

SOS have worked in tandem with, among others, The FA, Premier League, police and CPS, to challenge and ultimately bring to an end the unacceptable tragedy abuse, including chants, gestures and offensive messages, that has been on the rise over recent seasons.

Starting with the coming season, measures are to be introduced that will result in people, who are found to have committed such offences, facing stadium bans and potential criminal prosecution.

In addition to bans and criminal sanctions, a range of in-stadium, in-classroom and online resources will be rolled out under the Love Football Protect the Game banner, to educate adults and children alike about the hurt tragedy chanting causes. 

Ground regulations have also been updated to incorporate references to tragedy chanting. 

We will continue to work with the authorities to ensure these measures are strictly implemented to eradicate this vile abuse from our game.

Joe Blott, SOS MC member and National Council Member of FSA
“We welcome the work done to address the growing concern about football tragedy abuse. Vital to its success will be education and the role supporters have in developing empathy and understanding, talking about the negative and harmful impacts, but so too is recognition of consequences for supporters who continue to participate in such behaviour.

“Supporters have a track record of policing ourselves, so it’s vital we show real leadership and demonstrate our opposition to tragedy chants, gestures and slurs at all grounds and on social media. Let’s keep the passion and lose the poison.”