Leeds United fan issued three-year banning order following tragedy chanting against Cardiff City

A Leeds United supporter has been issued with a three-year football banning order for tragedy chanting. Sala died in a plane crash back in 2019, at the age of 28. Keyes was charged with a Section 5 public order offence in relation to the incident.

He pleaded guilty and was sentenced at Leeds Magistrates Court today (December 8). He was fined GBP107 with GBP85 prosecution costs and GBP43 victim surcharge. Chief Inspector Pete Hall led the policing operation at the match and said: “Directing chants, comments or gestures that refer to tragic incidents at rival fans is highly offensive and can cause genuine distress to those affected by those incidents.

Leeds United faced Cardiff City at Elland Road on August 6. Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images

“It has absolutely no place in football, and people going to games should be in no doubt about how seriously the authorities and the clubs will treat any such incidents.

“We know that the majority of fans don’t want to see this type of behaviour and want to see firm action against those who engage in it.

We will be continuing to work closely with Leeds United and visiting clubs to investigate any offences and respond appropriately, including seeking football banning orders against those involved.”