Anti-Chelsea chant now a ‘breach of discrimination rules’ as rival clubs risk punishment

The FA have announced they could now charge clubs if their fans are heard singing the ‘Chelsea rent boy’ chant.

Opposition fans have been heard singing the chant in Chelsea’s recent clashes with Nottingham Forest and Manchester City. It was also heard during Manchester United’s FA Cup clash with Everton, where United fans targeted ex-Blue Frank Lampard.

And the FA have now said: “Today, the FA has formally written to all clubs across the Premier League, EFL, National League, Women’s Super League, Women’s Championship and Steps 2-4.

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“To remind them that it can pursue formal disciplinary action against any club whose supporters engage in discriminatory behaviour, now including the use of the term ‘rent boy’.

“This important step follows the recent successful prosecution of an individual by the Crown Prosecution Service for homophobic abuse, specifically relating to the term ‘rent boy’. The FA has now informed all clubs that it considers the ‘rent boy’ chant to be a breach of the FA rules.

“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.”

Chelsea pride, the clubs’ LGBTQ+ organisation, had also taken to Twitter as they heard the chant.

The organisation’s Twitter account said: “This is now classed as a hate crime.” While Forest’s own LGBTQ+ fan group also said they were “embarrassed and ashamed” by the chant.

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