Source:REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff
[Saba Sports News] According to British media reports, Leeds United is seeking to have fan songs referencing paedophile Jimmy Savile classified as a “tragedy trolling” offence. Jimmy Savile, a former prominent BBC presenter, was a paedophile whose crimes only came to light after his death in 2011. Although Savile was born in Leeds and had no connection whatsoever to Leeds United, a section of the club’s supporters have regularly chanted songs about him at matches. Leeds United has had enough of the issue and is calling on football authorities and the police to categorise the behaviour as a public order offence under “tragedy trolling”. Manchester United, Liverpool and Bradford City have been working closely with Leeds United on this matter, pushing for strong action against anyone who chants songs referencing Jimmy Savile.
The editor believes that if songs and slogans referring to Jimmy Savile are classified as hate crimes by the relevant authorities, then any fans who do so in the future will face punishments including criminal prosecution, heavy fines, and long-term bans from attending matches at Leeds United’s home stadium.