Police probe MU fans for homophobic chanting at Chelsea

LONDON: Police are investigating Manchester United fans for alleged homophobic chanting.

United’s travelling support have been accused of singing “Chelsea Rent Boys” during the 1-0 FA Cup quarter-final defeat at Stamford Bridge on March 13.

The FA are also looking into a Chelsea supporter’s complaint. And the police officer in charge of the case told the complainant what he had experienced was “unacceptable” and gave him a complaint reference number and asked for further information.

A United spokesman said: “The club aims to work closely with Chelsea to identify anyone believed to have engaged in discriminatory behaviour at the game and will follow the terms of our Official Sanctions Policy if necessary.

“In addition, we will liaise with Chelsea to determine any activity to discourage such behaviour before the next fixture.”

The alleged chants have been used by opposing fans for years but police are determined to take the complaint seriously. It would constitute a category two offence under United’s Official Sanctions Policy, which can attract anything from a three-game ban to an indefinite suspension.

Whatever happens, the spotlight will be on both sets of fans when English Premier League leaders Chelsea face United and ex-Blues boss Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford on April 16.

Criminal law – as well as the FA’s rules and ground regulations – forbids abuse based on sexual orientation, even if those targeted do not identify themselves as being part of the minority being discriminated against.

An FA spokesman said: “We have received a complaint about offensive chanting at this fixture.

“We take all complaints seriously and look to work collaboratively with clubs, players, managers, officials and safety officers towards eradicating all discriminatory and offensive chanting.”

Just days after the alleged incident, football campaign group Kick It Out, the Home Office and anti-hate crime body True Vision launched a new campaign to tackle homophobic, biphobic and transphobic (HBT) abuse in the game.

The irony of a Chelsea fan complaining about rival supporters’ chants will not be lost on those who have been abused by Blues followers.

But the issue of offensive chanting will not go away – especially as some England fans disgraced themselves with anti-German songs at last week’s friendly in Dortmund.