Sections of the away end could be heard making homophobic chants against Chelsea
Tottenham Hotspur have released a statement condemning homophobic chanting from sections of their away end during their Carabao Cup semi-final tie against Chelsea on Wednesday night.
Club statement.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 6, 2022
In an official statement on the club’s website they said: “The Club is extremely disappointed by homophobic chanting from sections of our support at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.
“We work closely with our LGBTQ+ fan group Proud Lilywhites to create a welcoming and inclusive environment at our Club and are proud to display the Progress Flag in our stadium on matchdays.
“No one should suffer discrimination because of their sexual orientation and/or their gender identity, and we urge supporters not to use this chant.
“Homophobic chanting at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium should be reported by texting HPH and location details to 07537 404821. At other stadia, it should be reported to the nearest steward or via the home club’s reporting number.
“There is no place for discrimination at Tottenham Hotspur.”
Meanwhile, as reported by the Athletic, a Chelsea spokesperson expressed their disappointment at hearing the chant.
They said: “It’s disgraceful that discriminatory chants like this are still being heard in stadiums.”
The FA’s equality, diversity and inclusion director, Edleen John, said in August: “We absolutely do condemn the use of the word ‘rent boy’. It’s really negative, it’s not welcoming, it doesn’t create a sense of belonging, and frankly it’s disgusting.
“We have to understand that ‘rent boy’ is on the same level (as racism).
“What we have to do is get to a place where the police and CPS systems view it in that same way so that the actions can be taken that we want to see across football and more broadly.”
Sections of the away end could be heard chanting the song – which Tottenham have previously reminded their fans not to sing – during the second half of the game in which they fell to a 2-0 defeat courtesy of goals from Kai Havertz and a Ben Davies own goal.
Back in August, anti-discrimination group Kick it Out also condemned Liverpool fans for chanting the same song towards Norwich City midfielder Billy Gilmour who is on-loan from Chelsea.
Related links:
- Brentford fan arrested for allegedly making homophobic and racist comments
- Homophobic chanting still isn’t strictly illegal at football matches – it needs to be
- Why the ‘Chelsea rent boy’ chant is homophobic – Proud Canaries interview
