Chelsea have announced that they welcome the FA's decision to investigate homophobic chanting which has been heard in recent weeks, including at the Etihad Stadium and Old Trafford.
Last weekend during the FA Cup third round, some Manchester United fans were condemned by the LGBTQ+ supporters group Rainbow Devils after derogatory chants were aimed at Everton manager and former Chelsea player Frank Lampard. Two days later, these same chants were heard as Manchester City beat Chelsea.
These incidents came following a re-emergence of the chant during Nottingham Forest's draw against Chelsea on New Year's Day. Following the FA's announcement that they will be investigating the use of this insult at matches, the London club released a statement backing the governing body's decision.
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The statement reads: "Chelsea Football Club welcomes the FA's decision to class the homophobic chant directed at our supporters as a breach of FA rules which could lead to disciplinary action being taken. This follows the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service to class this hugely offensive chant as a hate crime.
"The 'Rent Boy' chant is intolerable and has no place in football or anywhere else. That opposition clubs can now face disciplinary action if their supporters engage in this discriminatory and offensive behaviour is a step in the right direction.
"Everyone who chooses to participate in this chant must know their actions have consequences. Alongside our No To Hate campaign, we will continue to work with the FA, the CPS, opposition clubs and our own LGBTQI+ supporter group Chelsea Pride in pursuit of positive change.
"There is plenty more work to be done, but we won't rest until football is a game where everyone feels welcome. Supporters are reminded they can report hate, whether experienced in the stadium or online, directly to us."
In January 2022, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced that the term is officially recognised and defined as a homophobic slur.
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