Two Nottingham Forest fans have been arrested for alleged homophobic chanting at Stamford Bridge during the club’s Premier League fixture against Chelsea on Saturday.
The Football Association are aware of the incident and will be investigating.
The homophobic chant – which refers to Chelsea players or fans as ‘rent boys’ – was added to the FA’s list of rule breaches in January and English football’s governing body can pursue action against clubs whose supporters who use it at matches. Last year, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed that it considered the term a homophobic slur and therefore a hate crime.
Wolverhampton Wanderers were fined £100,000 in July following homophobic chants during their home game against Chelsea in April of last season.
In August, Sussex Police confirmed they were investigating reports of alleged homophobic abuse at the Amex Stadium directed at Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Billy Gilmour, formerly of Chelsea, during the Premier League fixture between Brighton and Luton Town.
Saturday’s alleged homophobic chanting is believed to have been from a very small minority of individuals in the away end at Stamford Bridge and was not adopted by the majority of supporters.
Individuals found to have behaved in a discriminatory or abusive way can face permanent bans from all Premier League matches following measures introduced by the league in August 2021.
A Premier League spokesperson said: “Discrimination in any form will not be tolerated. The Premier League will continue to work alongside clubs, stakeholders and authorities to ensure that football remains a welcoming environment for all.”
(Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images)
