Man charged and lifetime ban issued over sick Hillsborough tweet after West Brom fan's death

South Yorkshire Police has confirmed that Richard Crisp, 55, from Hillsborough, has been charged with sending communication/article of an indecent or offensive nature, following the death of Mark Townsend on Saturday.

Mr Townsend, 57, from Oldbury was in Hillsborough's Leppings Lane stand when he fell in and died during the first half of the Baggies' Championship fixture away at Sheffield Wednesday.

Later, a post on social media made fun of the death, noting that Mr Townsend died in the same stand that 97 Liverpool fans received fatal injuries in the tragic FA Cup semi-final in 1989, with 94 dying on the day.

Meanwhile, the South Yorkshire club also confirmed it has issued a lifetime ban.

"Sheffield Wednesday can confirm a lifetime ban from all club activities and premises for the individual responsible for an abhorrent social media post," a statement said.

"The post was relative to the tragic passing of West Bromwich Albion supporter Mark Townsend following a medical emergency at Hillsborough on Saturday.

"We condemn absolutely this outrageous behaviour and underline our zero tolerance policy towards unlawful activity on all social media platforms.

"Our thoughts remain with the loved ones of Mr Townsend and the wider West Bromwich Albion community at this incredibly difficult time."

The social media post was widely condemned.

One of Hillsborough's victims tweeted to demand Sheffield Wednesday ban the person behind it, saying: "If this is one of your season ticket holders then you need to ban him for life.

"My brother was one of the 97!"

Sheffield Wednesday fans also disowned their fellow supporter.

Paul Hardy said: "Can only apologise on behalf of all true Wednesday supporters. Utter scum."

Hillsborough Golf Club also confirmed a member has been suspended in connection with the post.

The club said: “The golf club is aware of recent social media postings linked to a Hillsborough Golf Club member. We have commenced an investigation and whilst this is taking place the member has been suspended.

“We would like to send our condolences to the family and friends of the West Brom fan who suffered a medical emergency and died at the recent match with Sheffield Wednesday.”

Other X users complained trying to lose the man's job was over the top.

However, Albion TV replied: "To all the insensitive people saying about his job.

"He needs to be punished for it the person who passed away I spoke to their family their distraught and someone makes a comment like that put yourself in their shoes and maybe you'll understand...

"Been doing this far too long."

Posting on social media on Sunday, Mark's brother Steve spoke about the tragedy, saying: "My heart is truly broken , my son had to watch my brother pass away and lose an Uncle, and is left with those memories.

"I have had to break the news to my parents and his wife. My brother loved the baggies, he was my best mate and going to a game will never be the same."

West Bromwich Albion announced during the club's home game on Wednesday the players and staff will wear black arm bands and there will be a minute's applause on the 57th minute in honour of Mark.

Crisp has been released on police bail until his court appearance at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on October 14.