Nottingham Forest have confirmed they will investigate reports concerning some of the chants directed at Chelsea supporters during Sunday's 1-1 draw. The home side put in an impressive performance over 90 minutes to restrict Graham Potter's side and earn a point but a section of the support has drawn condemnation with allegations of homophobic chanting.
Forest posted a statement following the match that said: "The Club are aware of reports concerning chants aimed at Chelsea supporters from a minority of fans this evening and do not condone any type of discriminatory or offensive behaviour. The matter will be fully investigated."
Forest boss Steve Cooper added: "I'm aware of it now and I know the club has put out a statement."
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Chelsea Pride, Chelsea's official LGBTQ+ and friends supporters group, have called upon the FA to do more to combat such actions.
They said: "Day 1 of 2023 and we start with challenging homophobic chanting within a game. Yesterday at The City Ground a homophobic chant was sung by a proportion of Forest fans. This chant is seen as being discriminatory by the CPS and has the potential of being prosecuted as a Hate Crime. But still it's being sung with the stands at football.
"We challenge the football authorities to now change their stance and start to hold clubs and football fans more accountable for discriminatory language that's being used within stadiums forward the LGBTQ+ community. If the CPS are now taking this seriously then The FA needs to change it own rule books. Discrimination has no place in football. We have to educate and change this behaviour. It's not harmless banter. Just because it doesn't offend you, does not mean it's not offending others. Our friends, our allies want to see a change. We all do.
"We would also love to see football commentators call this behaviour out on TV. You are quick to apologise for any bad language being heard but why not challenge it? The chant sang yesterday was clear as day on TV. Change will only happen if we all work together. Football should be a game for everyone. Help us create that change. Say no to hate."
It's not the first time that Chelsea supporters have been subject to homophobic chants this season. Blues fans were targeted by the same sentiments during the Premier League match against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in October with both clubs condemning the chants.
In the early part of 2022 Chelsea welcomed the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service to define the term 'rent boy' as a homophobic slur. During the course of 2021/22, Liverpool, Tottenham, Leeds and Everton all condemned their fans for using the homophobic chant.
Following the decision the club said: "Chelsea 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.
"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.
"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."
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