Manchester United have escaped punishment from Uefa after their supporters chanted about the Hillsborough disaster during last week's Europa League defeat at Liverpool. European football's governing body confirmed it would not take further action, noting that the chanting was not mentioned in the match officials' reports, meaning no disciplinary proceedings could be initiated.
The chants, which also reportedly referenced the Heysel disaster of 1985, were condemned by Manchester United in a statement issued at the time. The club said such chants 'have no place in the game' and stressed they do not reflect the values of the club. United added that they are in discussions with fan groups to prevent similar behaviour in the future.
Former Liverpool midfielder Ray Houghton criticised the chanting, describing it as 'dreadful' and noting that those who lost loved ones at Hillsborough would find it hard to hear. He also acknowledged that Liverpool fans have previously sung about the Munich air disaster, calling such behaviour 'uncalled for'.
In a separate incident, Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini avoided action for throwing an arm at Liverpool's Emre Can. The incident was not included in the match officials' reports, so no retrospective punishment could be applied.
