Teenager charged over ‘vile’ Sir Bobby Charlton chants at Manchester City match

Police have charged a 17-year-old boy after offensive chants about the death of Sir Bobby Charlton were heard at a Manchester City home game.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been bailed on the condition he does not attend any regulated football matches.

He is charged with a public order offence and is due to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Youth Court on Monday 13 November.

Officers added that a 14-year-old boy, who was voluntarily interviewed in connection with the incident, will be “dealt with out of court”.

It comes after a small number of fans were filmed on a concourse at City’s Etihad Stadium allegedly singing about the death of the England and Manchester United player.

The offensive song was heard at half-time during Manchester City’s 2-1 victory against Brighton on Saturday 21 October – just minutes after it was publicly announced that the World Cup winner had died at the age of 86.

Sir Bobby survived the Munich air disaster in 1958 which killed eight of his Manchester United team-mates.

During 17 years with the club as a player, he scored 249 goals in 758 games and helped the Red Devils win three league titles, an FA Cup and become the first English club to win the European Cup in 1968.

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City manager Pep Guardiola condemned the chanting during a news conference on Friday.

He told reporters: “They don’t represent us. Alcohol makes bad things in people.

“[City ambassador] Mike Summerbee went to Old Trafford to sign the book [of condolence for Sir Bobby], he represents us.”

Guardiola added: “We have huge respect for Manchester United, especially for the icon of Sir Bobby Charlton. We will be part of the condolences, to Man United and English football.”

The club also previously denounced the chanting as “vile” and promised to take swift action against those found to be responsible.

The two Manchester teams – who have long been fierce rivals – are scheduled to play each other on Sunday afternoon.

A minute’s applause will be held in Sir Bobby’s memory before kick-off.