Rishi Sunak responds Southampton return to the Premier League

Southampton fan Rishi Sunak has congratulated Russell Martin’s side after they secured promotion to the Premier League on Sunday.

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister was subjected to vile chants by Leeds supporters arriving into London ahead of the Championship play-off final.  

The fans were labelled ‘sick’ after they were filmed singing a chant about Mr Sunak. 

Leeds would suffer a 1-0 defeat by Southampton, with Adam Armstrong’s decisive first half strike sealing victory for the south coast side, who will now return to the top-flight after a year-long hiatus. 

Following the victory, Mr Sunak took to X (formerly Twitter) to write: ‘We’re back’ before adding three ‘clapping hands’ emojis.  

Southampton fan Rishi Sunak congratulated Russell Martin’s side on X (formerly Twitter) after they secured promotion to the Premier League with a 1-0 victory against Leeds at Wembley

Leeds fans heading into Wembley ahead of the play-off final with Southampton 

Sunak is a Southampton fan and was present for their play-off semi-final win over West Brom on May 17 (pictured)

Some Leeds fans could be heard chanting about Sunak – a Southampton supporter – on route to the stadium.

The fans were heard chanting at King’s Cross station: ‘We are Leeds, we are vile, Rishi Sunak’s a paedophile.’

While some social media users found the clip funny, others condemned the supporters for the ‘sick’ chant. 

‘I can’t stand the tories or rishi sunak, but this is not OK. To say someone is something so disgustingly vile when they’re not is not just dangerous but is sick,’ one responded.

‘Some words should never just get thrown around so easily, joking or not. This word is one. Shameful.’

Another replied ‘I hate the tories with a passion but this is not acceptable- he has a family and should not be subjected to this.’

Sunak had been in the stands last week as Southampton booked their place in the play-off final.

The Saints overcame West Brom 3-1 in the second leg at St Mary’s to set up the clash with Leeds.

Sunak had laughed off a question earlier this week about whether he would rather see Southampton be promoted or win the general election. 

The Prime Minister did express his hope that forward Che Adams will be fit to line-up at Wembley, but the 27-year-old did not make the starting line-up, instead coming on as a second-half substitute for Ryan Fraser. 

Southampton were promoted to the Premier League after beating Leeds 1-0 at Wembley

Adam Armstrong’s clinical first-half strike proved decisive, with Leeds unable to find an equaliser

The Prime Minister said he was ‘buzzing’ for the final after watching Saints beat West Brom last week

‘Well, it was great to be at St Mary’s on Friday night with my family,’ Sunak told GB News.

‘I have never experienced an atmosphere like that at St Mary’s, for years at least. It was really brilliant, I am really delighted for everyone.

‘I am looking forward to Sunday, hoping Che Adams is fit and we can march back up to the Premier League. Here we come.’

Sunak’s comments came ahead of his announcement on Wednesday that the general election will take place on July 4.

The Prime Minister made a gaffe on Thursday after asking brewery staff in Wales whether they were looking forward to the football – despite their team failing to qualify for Euro 24.