A MAN has been charged over an alleged social media post linked to the Hillsborough disaster following the death of a West Bromwich Albion supporter at a match.

The fan - Mark Townsend, aged 57, died after suffering a medical emergency at the match against Sheffield Wednesday at their Hillsborough ground on Saturday (September 28).

South Yorkshire Police said it was subsequently made aware of "malicious communications shared on social media."

Richard Crisp, 55, from the Hillsborough area of Sheffield, has been charged with sending communication/article of an indecent or offensive nature and will appear in court on October 14.

The South Yorkshire force said in a statement: "A Sheffield man has been charged following malicious communications shared on social media after a man sadly died during the Sheffield Wednesday v West Bromwich Albion fixture on Saturday, September 28.

"Richard Crisp, 55, from Hillsborough, is charged with sending communication/article of an indecent or offensive nature.

"He has been released on police bail until his court appearance at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on October 14, 2024."

West Bromwich Albion has paid tribute to Mr Townsend. 

The club said: "We are devastated to learn of the tragic passing of a supporter following a medical emergency during Saturday’s fixture at Sheffield Wednesday.

"The club has made contact with the supporter’s family to pass on its condolences and asks that they are allowed to grieve privately.

"The thoughts of all of us will remain with the supporter’s loved ones at this desperately sad time."