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.
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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."
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