Chelsea have welcomed news that the ‘rent boy’ chant directed at the club’s players will be considered as a hate crime by the Crown Prosecution Service.
Blues midfielders Conor Gallagher and Billy Gilmour, who are on loan at Crystal Palace and Norwich respectively, have been targeted with chanting, which is considered homophobic by LGBTQ+ fans .
Supporter groups have been working with the FA to request a clearer law enforcement stance on the chant, which has been heard at Premier League and FA Cup games this season.
As exclusively revealed by The Mirror last week, the CPS has now confirmed that it is a homophobic slur which can amount to a hate crime and could lead to prosecution.
Director of Public Prosecutions for England and Wales, Max Hill QC, hit out at those who sing the chant, branding it as “vile and disgusting”.
Chelsea have now thrown their weight behind the decision and confirmed they will take action against any supporters who are caught using the chant at matches.
“Chelsea Football Club welcomes the news that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) recognises that the term ‘rent boy’ is a homophobic slur, and that those who use it are liable to prosecution,” the club said in a statement .
“We will continue to work with our supporters and our LGBTQ+ fan group Chelsea Pride to ensure that our club is welcoming and inclusive for all, and we will not hesitate to take action against anyone who persists in using this or any other discriminatory language, including working with the police and CPS to secure prosecutions.”
Chelsea have encouraged fans to report any instances of hate experienced inside the stadium or online in an effort to stamp it out.
“Hate crime has no place within society let alone sport,” Mr Hill QC told Mirror Sport.
“Recently we have seen an increase of reports in racist and homophobic abuse at football matches and this is a disease we are determined to play our part in cutting out.
“Last summer, the England and Wales football teams united nations as they made their way through Euro 2020.
“After all the difficulties of the Covid pandemic, it was great to finally come together with friends and family to watch a game that never felt more beautiful.
“Unfortunately, England’s success was overshadowed by a troubling spike in online racism directed towards a number of young black players especially after the penalty shoot-out against Italy.
“This weekend’s FA Cup third round has also been tarnished by reports of racist or homophobic abuse by so called fans at three matches.
“This is vile and disgusting behaviour and the CPS stands with the majority of the public who want to see this stamped out.”
