English FA reminds teams they can be charged over homophobic chant usually aimed at Chelsea players and fans

The Football Association can now levy fines against clubs whose supporters engage in homophobic chants directed towards Chelsea players and supporters.

According to reports, the cry was chanted by supporters of Manchester City and Nottingham Forest during recent games against Chelsea.

The cry was purportedly directed towards Everton manager Frank Lampard during Friday’s FA Cup game because of his affiliation with the Blues by Manchester United supporters.

The use of the chant has always been denounced by the FA.

The FA announced on Wednesday that it has now written to every team in the National League, Women’s Super League, Women’s Championship, and Steps 2 to 4 of the Pyramid to remind them that it can “pursue formal disciplinary action against any club whose supporters engage in discriminatory behaviour”, this chant is now included.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) classified the song as a homophobic slur and declared that fans who sang it during games were engaging in hate speech in January 2022.

Those who are discovered to have used the terms risk prosecution.

This “important step” in being able to charge clubs, according to the FA, comes after a supporter was recently successfully prosecuted for homophobic abuse, particularly referencing this chant.

It added: “These rules apply to the conduct of supporters at both home and away fixtures, and clubs at all levels of English football have a responsibility to ensure their spectators behave appropriately when attending matches.

“The FA takes all allegations of discrimination extremely seriously and would encourage anybody who has been subject to, or a witness of incidents of discrimination, to report it to the FA, the club or the relevant authorities so it can be investigated thoroughly.

“Together English football can drive meaningful and positive change so that stadiums can be a safe and enjoyable environment for all.”

Chelsea Pride, the club’s official LGBTQ+ fan group, said it welcomes the FA’s decision to “take action” against the homophobic chant.

The group added: “It’s also vitally important that clubs now stand up for the LGBTQ+ community that plays such an important role within football.”

The FA has indicated it will communicate with Manchester United on alleged homophobic shouts against Everton and is looking into the alleged homophobic shouting by Manchester City supporters during Sunday’s FA Cup victory against Chelsea.

United stated that the abuse “has no place in football,” while City stated that the club “strongly condemns the behavior of a few of fans” and that they will work with the CPS.

The January 1 league match between Nottingham Forest and Chelsea at the City Ground ended in a 1-1 tie. Nottingham Forest has announced they will look into claims of homophobic chanting.