Club probes Hillsborough 'insult'
A Liverpool footballer is at the centre of a
club inquiry after allegations he laughed and joked during Wednesday's
Hillsborough memorial service.
Reserve goalkeeper
Charles Itandje, 26, appears to be laughing on TV footage of the
service held at Anfield to remember the 96 Liverpool fans killed in
1989.
About 30,000 football supporters, players past and present and families of survivors attended the service.
The club has yet to comment but fans have criticised Itandje's behaviour.
The
footage of the French goalkeeper, who was sitting in the Kop with
fellow players, behind families of the victims, is being circulated on
the internet.
Richie Pedder, chairman of the LFC supporters' club, said: "I don't think he realised the importance of the occasion.
"That sort of behaviour was not appropriate.
"I don't think he will still be at the club come the summer."
The 96 Liverpool fans were crushed to death during Liverpool's FA Cup semi final against Nottingham Forest on 15 April 1989.
Many
fans have written comments branding Itandje disrespectful, immature and
insensitive or have called for him to be sacked or sold.
One
comment on the popular lfcreds.com site said: "Hillsborough is a very
meaningful and important event for Liverpool, the families of the
victims, the club, the team and the people of Liverpool.
"If Itandje really did that, then he has no respect."
Itandje
signed for Liverpool in August 2007 and made his first team debut the
following month, but has not played for the first team this season.
He was placed on the club's transfer list last summer.
Margaret
Aspinall, who lost her 18-year-old son James in the stadium disaster
and is vice chair of the Hillsborough Families Support Group, said:
"I'm sure the club will investigate it properly."
